Both Los Angeles based Major League Soccer clubs will enjoy a bye week this weekend when the third week of MLS kicks off Saturday.

LA Galaxy

After defeat to New York City FC last week at Yankee Stadium, the Galaxy will be anxious to get back to winning ways next week as they travel to Vancouver next week.

Opening Day saw Sigi Schmid’s side beat Portland 2-1 at Stub Hub Center but at the expense of starting winger Romain Alessandrini, who scored his first goal of the year, but hobbled off with a hamstring injury before completing the game – his status for the game against the Whitecaps will be a game-time decision.

Midfielder Jonathan dos Santos was called up by Mexico for two friendlies next week meaning the Mexican’s magic will be missed at the center of the park against the Canadian club. Thanks to the break, those wounded players behind Jonathan will get an extra week to lick their wounds and bounce back strong against the Whitecaps.

Jonathan’s brother, Giovani, will be one of those key players missing with a hamstring strain but with American international Sebastian Lletget approaching full fitness after a long stint on the sideline from foot surgery, Schmid’s starting XI should have enough playmakers to get the job done.

LAFC

Unlike the Galaxy, this bye week for Los Angeles Football Club could not come at a worse time. The league’s new-boys boast a 2-0 record and a goal difference of +5 after defeating Seattle 1-0 the first week and following it up with a 5-1 thumping of Real Salt Lake at supposed fortress Rio Tinto Stadium last week.

Marco Ureña (Costa Rica), Laurent Ciman (Belgium) Mark-Anthony Kaye/ Dejan Jokovic (Canada), and Carlos Vela (Mexico) were all called up to represent their respective countries next week with no affect on manager Bob Bradley’s plans since LAFC will be on bye.

LAFC will anxiously enjoy the back-to-back bye weeks, their next game is scheduled for March 31 against the Galaxy at Stub Hub – the first edition of the Battle for Los Angeles.

Injured bunch Omar Gaber, Luis Lopez, Walker Zimmerman, and Calum Mallace will all be in contention to feature when the Black and Gold suit up next.

Also in contention to make the squad after completing the necessary paperwork is newest acquisition midfielder Eduardo Atuesta which LAFC acquired on loan in late February using Targeted Allocation Money from Colombian side Independiente.