City SC Seeks First Goal and Win Against LA Galaxy

CARSON, California – After two consecutive draws to start the season, St. Louis City SC is on the hunt for its first goal and victory as it prepares to face the LA Galaxy on Sunday evening at Dignity Health Sports Park. Both teams enter the match struggling to find their offensive rhythm, with City SC hoping to improve on a franchise record low of 0.1 expected goals in its last outing against San Diego.

City SC has shown defensive prowess under new coach Olof Mellberg, allowing only one shot on goal across their first two matches, the fewest in Major League Soccer (MLS). Despite this strength, the team has yet to find the back of the net, leaving them with four clean sheets – two for and two against – as they head into the matchup against the defending MLS Cup champion Galaxy.

Mellberg expressed the need for improvements in offensive strategies, particularly in executing plays during transitional moments. “We’re going to have a little bit more clarity in what we want in build out, so they’re clear on what options they have,” he said. “Hopefully, we have helped them this week to improve their quality on the ball, because it wasn’t good enough last week.”

Defender Henry Kessler echoed Mellberg’s concerns, noting that the team has dedicated considerable time to refining its build-out play. “We’ve been working with the ball a lot, getting good reps in,” Kessler said. “I think we’ll show better this weekend.”

Midfielder Chris Durkin also remained optimistic despite the challenges faced in recent games. “We just have to remain patient,” he stated. “I believe in the quality of the group is very high. So I think, I know, it’ll be OK.”

As City SC takes to the field, they may welcome back key players Cedric Teuchert and Durkin, who were limited in minutes against San Diego. The team is working to ensure more touches for playmakers Teuchert and Marcel Hartel, both of whom have the potential to enhance the team’s scoring ability.

A significant factor for the Galaxy is their transition from a title-winning roster due to various injuries and recent play in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Head coach Greg Vanney will need to manage player fatigue effectively, as the Galaxy have struggled early in the season, losing all three competitive matches so far.

<p“Obviously, both teams are looking for a win again,” Mellberg noted. “They’ve struggled so far. It’ll be interesting to see what they do.”

St. Louis City SC aims to break its scoring drought against a Galaxy side that has not won a game this season – an opportunity for City SC to secure its first points of the year.

The match kicks off at 6:00 p.m. CT and can be viewed live on MLS Season Pass via the Apple TV app.