If you were expecting the unexpected from two of the most successful coaches in MLS history, you’re in for a treat with the lineups in Sunday’s LA Galaxy-Seattle Sounders Western Conference final.
LA Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders, lineups: Both coaches toss out some curveballs
Bruce Arena opts for Christian Wilhelmsson over Marcelo Sarvas, while Sigi Schmid gives Alex Caskey a rare start and puts Christian Tiffert at forward.
Otto Greule Jr
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena decided to give Swedish international Christian Wilhemsson a start over Marcelo Sarvas, leaving David Beckham and Juninho much ground to cover in the center of the park. Landon Donovan was also moved from the midfield to forward, with Edson Buddle not even on the bench.
Sounders coach Sigi Schmid will field what will likely play more like a 4-5-1 with Christian Tiffert listed as the second forward. Eddie Johnson apparently wasn’t fit enough to potentially play 180 minutes in three days and will be on the bench. With Mauro Rosales still not fit enough to make as much as a spot on the 18, Schmid will give Alex Caskey his first MLS start since Aug. 18.
LA Galaxy starters: GK: Josh Saunders; DF: Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez, Tommy Meyer, Todd Dunivant; MF: Christian Wilmhelmsson, Juninho, David Beckham, Mike Magee; FW: Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane. Bench: Brian Perk, Marcelo Sarvas, Michael Stephens, Andrew Boyens, Jack McBean, Jose Villareal, Bryan Gaul.
Sounders starters: GK: Michael Gspurning; DF: Adam Johansson, Jeff Parke, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Zach Scott; MF: Mario Martinez, Osvaldo Alonso, Brad Evans, Alex Caskey; FW: Christian Tiffert, Fredy Montero. Bench: Marcus Hahnemann, Servando Carrasco, Andy Rose, David Estrada, Steve Zakuani, Sammy Ochoa, Eddie Johnson.
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