The Los Angeles Galaxy and Charlotte FC are set to face each other Saturday in Carson, California, following draws in their respective Major League Soccer season openers. Both teams remain eager to improve as they enter this early matchup in the 2024 MLS schedule.
While the Galaxy settled for a 1-1 result at home against New York City FC on Sunday, Charlotte FC played to a 1-1 road tie against St. Louis City just a day earlier. This Saturday’s game represents a key step for both sides as each looks to gain momentum after their initial outings.
Galaxy’s Busy Start Includes CONCACAF Champions Cup Play
Los Angeles has experienced a more demanding stretch, balancing MLS matches with CONCACAF Champions Cup competition. The Galaxy advanced on away goals after a two-leg encounter with Sporting SM of Panama, securing a 1-1 aggregate result by keeping the second leg scoreless on home turf Wednesday.
Through those three matches—two Champions Cup games and the opening MLS fixture—Los Angeles has managed only two goals, a total that has aligned with expectations given their focus on physical readiness.
We’re trying to physically get ourselves ready for this week as much as anything so that we could keep guys as healthy as we could,
Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said.
I would say we probably spent less time on the tactical stuff in the latter part of preseason just to try to get guys physically as ready.
Notably, Joao Klauss promptly scored less than 90 seconds into the Galaxy’s MLS opener. The Brazilian forward, who previously tallied 25 goals with St. Louis City over three seasons, marked his debut with Los Angeles with this quick strike.
Charlotte FC Aims to Build on Early Positive Signs
Charlotte FC secured a late equalizer in their opener with a 73rd-minute goal from Pep Biel. The Spanish midfielder recently signed permanently with the club, known as The Crown, after two seasons on loan from Olympiacos in Greece. Biel’s contribution has helped Charlotte remain unbeaten after one game.
The team faces an unusual schedule, opening with two away games before settling into a stretch of five consecutive home fixtures. Following the match at Los Angeles, Charlotte will not visit another road stadium until April 18, emphasizing the importance of this Saturday’s road test.
Going into the LA game, the positives are, we’re a game in, we’re unbeaten,
Charlotte coach Dean Smith said.
There’s a lot more we can do well. In the review of the (St. Louis City) game on Monday, I showed the players an awful lot of stuff we can do better, individually and collectively.
Upcoming Match Holds Key Implications for Both Teams
This weekend’s contest between the Galaxy and Charlotte FC will provide insight into each team’s ability to adjust early in the Charlotte FC season opener. For Los Angeles, finding offensive consistency after a busy schedule remains a priority, while Charlotte looks to capitalize on its positive start and utilize the advantage of an extensive home stretch ahead.
How both clubs respond in Carson may influence their momentum and positioning as the demanding MLS season progresses during spring.
