The Galaxy have opened the 2024 MLS Campaign with more points in the standings through two match days than the team had last year after seven.
Now, the Galaxy have another tall task ahead of them Sunday as the team travels across the country to visit Nashville SC.
LA opened the season with a draw against Inter Miami, followed by a convincing 3-1 triumph over the San Jose Earthquakes.
Joseph Paintsil shined for the Galaxy in the Cali Clásico, finishing with a goal, an assist and a spot in MLS’s Team of the Matchday.
Meanwhile, Nashville SC, is looking to claim its first victory of the 2024 MLS campaign when the Galaxy visit.
The hosts enter Sunday’s match with just two days rest in between fixtures, following a 2-2 draw with Inter Miami in the CONCACAF Champions Cup round-of-16 Thursday.
Jacob Shaftesbury had a first-half brace for Nashville before Inter Miami’s superstars did what they do best.
A goal from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez left the first leg at a stalemate, although not without any controversy.
Shaq Moore thought he had given Nashville an insurance goal in the 83rd minute when he cut around a defender and scored from close range. However, he was marked offside following a VAR check.
Coming off such an emotional game just a couple of days ago combined with the offensive threat the new-look Galaxy provide, this could be a perfect opportunity for another statement victory, but it definitely won’t come easy.
2022 MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar, who just agreed to a contract extension with Nashville earlier this week through 2026 with an option for 2027, should start his first MLS match this season after a hamstring injury kept him out of the first two.
A potential X-factor for the hosts could be former Galaxy player Tyler Boyd, now with Nashville, will definitely be eager to get on the board against his former squad.
Nashville head coach Gary Smith’s squad has won nine of their last 10 league matches when scoring first as well as a streak of 17 consecutive regular-season wins when scoring multiple goals.
Nashville has enjoyed recent success against Western Conference rivals, having remained unbeaten against them since August 2022.
With the victory over San Jose last weekend, the Galaxy can equal their total number of wins away from home during the 2023 campaign.
While LA has conceded in 11 consecutive league matches dating back to last season, conceding just once in each of their first two matchups this season is a sign of improvement.
The Galaxy will look to prove the team is finally back to being a force to be reckoned with in MLS Sunday at noon, on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass.
