11
FC Dallas vs LA Galaxy: Shocking Lineup Shakeups Revealed!
FC Dallas Hits the Road Again: Match Preview vs. LA Galaxy
Match Overview
FC Dallas continues their nine-game road trip with a stop in Southern California to face the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park. After a couple of disappointing results, Dallas looks to bounce back against a team they’re favored to beat.
Quick Facts
- Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Kickoff: 9:30 PM
- Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park
- Watch: MLS Season Pass
- Weather: 83°F and sunny
- Social: #FCDvLAG
What Changed From Last Match?
Big Change in Goal
The biggest news is goalkeeper Daniel is out for at least two months with a hamstring injury. Jonathan Sirois steps in as the new starter.
Formation Shift
Coach Eric Quill lists the team as a 4-4-2, but it’ll likely play more like a 5-3-2 with wing-backs pushing high:
- Bernard Kamungo makes his first start since spring (left wing)
- Herman Johansson starts on the right side
FC Dallas Starting XI
| Position | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Jonathan Sirois | New starter (Daniel injured) |
| LB | Norris | |
| LCB | Urhoghide | |
| RCB | Moore (C) | Captain |
| RB | Johansson | |
| LM | Kamungo | First start since spring |
| CM | Kaick | |
| CM | Cappis | |
| RM | Delgado | |
| ST | Not listed in club graphic | Likely two strikers in 4-4-2 |
| ST | Not listed in club graphic |
Tactical Note: The team shape will shift between 4-4-2 and 5-3-2 depending on possession. Kamungo and Johansson act as wing-backs in defense, wingers in attack.
FC Dallas Bench Options
| Player | Position | Likelihood to Play |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Collodi | GK | Backup only |
| Lalas Abubakar | DF | High |
| Sebastien Ibeagha | DF | High |
| Joaquin Valiente | MF | High |
| Caleb Swann | MF | Medium |
| Clay Holdstad | MF | Question mark |
| Sam Sarver | MF | Question mark |
| Anderson Julio | FW | High |
| Santiago Moreno | FW | High |
Who Will We See?
Given the congested schedule, expect rotation. The four most likely subs:
- Santiago Moreno (FW)
- Anderson Julio (FW)
- Sebastien Ibeagha (DF)
- Joaquin Valiente (MF)
The wildcards: Clay Holdstad or Sam Sarver — both newcomers fighting for minutes.
LA Galaxy Starting XI
Formation: 4-3-3
| # | Position | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GK | Marcinkoski |
| 2 | LB | Nelson |
| 3 | CB | Glenses |
| 4 | CB | Yoshida |
| 5 | RB | Miller |
| 6 | CM | Haak |
| 7 | CM | Wynder |
| 8 | CM | Sanabria |
| 9 | LW | Taylor |
| 10 | RW | Paintstil |
| 11 | ST | Reus |
Key Question Heading Into Kickoff
"Can Dallas get off to a good start in August against a team they should beat?"
The Problem
Dallas has a habit of "playing down" to weaker opponents this season. Recent losses to Portland and San Diego proved that point painfully.
What Needs to Happen
- Possess the ball better than last week
- Jump on LA early — score first, control the game
- Finish chances — no more wasted opportunities
Important: Availability Report
Availability Report
- Suspended: None
- International Duty: Josh Torquato
- Season-Ending Injury: Kaka Scabin (knee)
- Out: Ramiro (lower body), Daniel (lower body)
- Questionable: None
- On Loan: Enes Sali (Al-Riyadh), Malachi Molina (Nashville SC), Geovane Jesus (North Texas SC), Enzo Newman (North Texas SC)
- Off Roster: Daniel Baran, Jaidyn Contreras
Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | FC Dallas @ LA Galaxy |
| Stakes | Road trip momentum, avoid "playing down" |
| Key Absence | GK Daniel (hamstring, 2+ months) |
| New Starter | Jonathan Sirois in goal |
| Tactical Watch | 5-3-2 vs 4-3-3 — wing-back battle |
| Bench Impact | Moreno, Julio, Ibeagha, Valiente likely |
| X-Factor | Can Dallas score early and hold the ball? |
FAQ
1. Why is Daniel not playing?
He suffered a hamstring injury and will be out for at least two months. Jonathan Sirois takes over as starting goalkeeper.
2. What formation will Dallas actually play?
The club says 4-4-2, but with Kamungo and Johansson as high wing-backs, it functions as a 5-3-2 in defense and 3-4-3 in attack. Flexibility is the name of the game.
3. Who are the new faces on the bench?
Clay Holdstad and Sam Sarver are newcomers who might debut. Keep an eye on them!
4. Why is this a "must-win" type game?
Dallas has dropped points to inferior teams recently. Beating LA Galaxy (a beatable opponent) would restore confidence and road-trip momentum.
5. How can I watch the game?
Stream exclusively on MLS Season Pass (Apple TV). Kickoff is 9:30 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Want More? Big D Soccer has covered FC Dallas since 2009. Subscribe for free → for full tactical breakdowns after every match!
