Can LA Galaxy 3-Peat?
written by: Christopher Murry
@ChrisRyanMurry
LA Galaxy 2, Real Salt Lake 0
written by: Christopher Murry
@ChrisRyanMurry
Independently submitted articles on your Los Angeles Galaxy, do you agree or disagree? What's your opinion?
Los Angeles Galaxy
No Donovan? No problem. No Keane? No problem. NoCudicini? No problem. No Dunivant? No Problem.
LA was without four veteran players last night in Sandy, Utah. However, against Real Salt Lake, LA took the 23rd installment of this recent rivalry in a 2-0 affair.
Midfielder Mike McGee found the back of the net for the sixth time this season only six minutes into the game, followed up by forward Charlie Rugg, making his pro debut, scoring at the 13’ mark.
Keeper Brian Rowe came up big in his first career start, accounting for seven saves, including a booming shot from RSL forward Joao Plata early in the first half.
Before the start, Galaxy forwards Robbie Findley and Alvaro Saborio were ruled out with injuries sustained during warm-ups. During the game the injury bug continued for LA, losing 18-year-old Jack McBean with an apparent shoulder or collarbone injury.
With the win LA improves to 4-1-2 on the year, second in the Western Conference. With the loss, Real Salt Lake falls to 3-4-2. The Galaxy return to Home Depot Center next Sunday in a rematch of last season’s MLS title game, to take on the Houston Dynamo. As for Real Salt Lake - they wrap up their three-game home stand next Saturday against Vancouver.
Series Notes:
The two teams have met 23 times over the years. Last night’s win for LA evened up the series record at 9-9-5.
The 24th meeting takes place in Carson on June 8th. Kick off at 7:30.
For more on the #LAGalaxy, follow @SportSpeakLA on Twitter
The four time MLS Cup champions are coming off one of the most improbable post-season runs the MLS has seen.
Finishing last season with a 16-12-6 record, fourth in the Western Conference standings, no one could have predicted what was to be. Entering post-season play the San Jose Earthquakes seemed to be the clear choice favorite. San Jose had finished with a 19-6-9 record with a goal differential of +29, tops in the country.
Unlike the European leagues, once the playoffs hit, a champion can come from anywhere. European leagues are similar to NCAA college football - if a team sustains even one loss throughout the year, that may be the kiss of death on a season.
Although the season is just getting underway with most teams just 6 or 7 games in, there are signs that point in the direction of the Galaxy as the favorite for a third consecutive title.
LA has one thing on their side that a majority of the league does not: Experience. For the last four years or so, not including last year, the Galaxy have dominated the Western Conference regular season. LA has taken the conference crown in 2009, 2010, and 2011 with Cup titles the last two years (’11,’12). LA knows what it takes to compete in this league, and practically have the same roster from last season, the only loss being that of midfielder David Beckham.
I feel that this years' team is set to be better than last years' team. Robbie Keane, who was acquired August 15, 2011, is entering his first full season with the ball club. There is much talk about the 32-year-old Irishman as being one of the most talented forwards in the MLS - and this season he is expected to show case exactly that.
The early, hot start from midfielder Mike Magee, who last season only saw the back of the net five times, already has matched his 2012 total six games in. Mix in the defensive play from Omar Gonzalez and the veteran leadership of Landon Donovan, LA fans should be excited about the season to come.
For more on the #LAGalaxy, follow @SportSpeakLA on Twitter.
The four time MLS Cup champions are coming off one of the most improbable post-season runs the MLS has seen.
Finishing last season with a 16-12-6 record, fourth in the Western Conference standings, no one could have predicted what was to be. Entering post-season play the San Jose Earthquakes seemed to be the clear choice favorite. San Jose had finished with a 19-6-9 record with a goal differential of +29, tops in the country.
Unlike the European leagues, once the playoffs hit, a champion can come from anywhere. European leagues are similar to NCAA college football - if a team sustains even one loss throughout the year, that may be the kiss of death on a season.
Monterrey could not find a hole in LA’s defense. Again Galaxy continued to dominate and should’ve had at least a 2 goal lead. Didn’t happen. Heading into the 80’ minute the Galaxy seemed to slow and tire - Playing very sloppy.
Monterrey picked up a goal in the 82’ minute from Humberto Suazo to tie the game. The Galaxy wanted to get a score before the game ended but fell a couple times after Landon Donavan won a free kick but was not able to capitalize. The defense fell apart in the 90’ minute as De Nigris’ left-footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner goes in, assisted by Guillermo Madrigal with a headed pass.
With the Galaxy down 2-1 at this point with 3 minutes of stoppage time added, a little energy came back, but it was not enough.
This match slipped away from the Galaxy as they should’ve won this game and taken a lead into Mexico for the second leg of this semifinals match. Now down 2-1 heading into Mexico for the next game the LA Galaxy must win for them to advance to the CONCACAF Champions League finals. LA hasn’t been all that great on the road. We will have to see what attitude and game plan LA shows up with for the next match.
Tonight Galaxy take on Monterrey in the 2nd leg of the CONCACAF Champions League. After a tough lost in LA last week, Galaxy look to bounce back and push forward to advance to the Finals. In the 1st Leg LA had a 1-0 lead until late goals by Humberto Suazo (82’ minute) and Aldo De Nigris (90’ minute) gave Monterrey a 2-1 victory over the Galaxy. LA only have themselves to blame for sloppy plays and looking lost on defense in the final 8 minutes after playing great lock down defense from the beginning of the match.
The Galaxy were the better team for the first 80 minutes and might have scored three or more goals if they would’ve been able to finish they’re attacks with more precision. Now Galaxy heads into the decisive match at Estadio Tecnologico needing a win, But not just any win. A lose or draw (or win, 1-0) and Los Angeles are done. A 2-1 victory forces overtime. A 3-2 win or a triumph by two or more goals will send LA Galaxy to the CONCACAF Champions League finals to take on Santos Laguna who beat the Seattle Sounders last night (2-1 aggregate).
This is not an impossible task for LA but they will have to play tough defense and aggressive offense if they wish to advance. “For 70 minutes we were on top of them, we created good chances, so why not go there with the right mentality to try to win in Monterrey?” Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini told reporters on Monday before departing for Mexico. “We don’t have to be afraid of nothing. We clearly showed we can do a good job over there.” Landon Donovan said before the Galaxy traveled Monday to Monterrey. “We need to get two goals, no matter which way
you slice it, Even if they score a goal, hope isn’t lost.
It takes one goal, and then we’ve got a chance to get another goal…. We’ve got to go there and score goals. It’s kind of nice when you know that. We have to go there to win the game, so we’re just gonna go for it.” (MLSSoccer.com) Getting an early goal would help, but LA likely will need to weather some heavy pressure from Monterrey, who changed seven starts for this past Saturday’s Liga MX game at Toluca, saving them for the CCL clash.
Monterrey is a 2 time defending CONCACAF champion. So I believe they will show up with plenty of confidence. LA Galaxy on the other hand, head into Mexico with a “nothing to lose” attitude, which is good but will it be enough?
For all things #Galaxy, follow us on Twitter @SportSpeakLA
Quick Reax: Monterrey 2, Galaxy 1
written by: John Alvarado
@theeinfamouss
Galaxy v. Monterrey 2nd leg
written by: John Alvarado
@theeinfamouss
Coming off a tough loss to the Houston Dynamo Sunday night in Carson, it is CRUCIAL the LA Galaxy have a short term memory as they prepare for the upcoming stretch run.
The Galaxy find themselves entering a time in the season where the friendly confines of the Home Depot Center are not reachable. Where the ocean breeze, and sunny weather do not greet them every morning from their beach front properties. Where, during this time of year, it might be very necessary to pack sweatshirts and long johns.
“What exactly is this place?”, you ask?
The ROAD. The Galaxy are hitting the road for a critical make-or-break point in their 2013 campaign.
Seven of the next nine games (including at Chivas USA) will be away from home - including three cities in nine days beginning this Saturday in Vancouver. Every season with every team involved in every sport reach this time of year when the season truly begins.
The Lakers and Clippers, annually, have their Grammy Road Trip. The Angels will embark on a nine-games-in-nine-days road swing in mid-September, as well as the Dodgers who play nine games in ten days away from Chavez Ravine later that month. Character is built on this trip, the results define what kind of team you are.
For the Galaxy, this upcoming road trip will be, good or bad, a turning point in the year. If LA wants to 3-peat as MLS Champions, a solid, over .500 effort the next eight weeks is required.
LA will face five teams, who currently are .500 or better, including May 19 against the Eastern Conference top dog New York Red Bulls. The next nine games pose a threat for the Galaxy, but after witnessing the near impossible last year - LA is combat ready.
Prior to the loss Sunday night, LA had put together 180' of shutout soccer, including a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake. The loss to Houston hurts, as it should - blown opportunities can make the difference in a playoff position, but realistically it is not like the Galaxy are heading into their road test on a six game skid. Had a couple plays gone the other way versus the Dynamo, we're talking about the hottest team in the league right now.
So Galaxy fans, as they say, “Getcha popcorn ready” - the season starts Saturday.
For more on the #LAGalaxy, follow @SportSpeakLA on Twitter
The LA Galaxy began their three-cities-in-nine-days tour last night in Vancouver. Looking to bounce back from a home loss to Houston, six days ago, LA took on a team who had not won a match since March 9 (seven game losing streak).
Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena, still shorthanded with the injuries to Charlie Rugg, Jack McBean, Robbie Keene, and Todd Dunivant, made a slight adjustment to his starting line up. Arena moved Landon Donovan up front with Jose Villarreal, putting Hector Jimenez on the right side of the mid field.
LA and Vancouver played to a 0-0 halftime score, but it’s not quite clear if the Galaxy made it out for the second half. Following the break LA gave up three goals in the final 30’ of the game. Bruce Arenas’ ball club went on to drop their second consecutive match by a final of 3-1.
The back-to-back losses are not too familiar of territory for LA. The last time the Galaxy dropped consecutive games dates back to June 30 and July 4 of last season in which LA got hot, going 10-2-4 over the final sixteen matches.
With the loss, LA drops their record to 4-3-2 on the year, 1-2-1 on the road, falling to fifth in the Western Conference, ten points behind leader FC Dallas.
So it’s back to the drawing board for the defending MLS champs with a quick turnaround coming this Wednesday night in Philadelphia. If the Galaxy wants to stop the bleeding at two games, LA will have to get back to what has worked throughout the year. Look for opportunities for Mike McGee, and fast break chances with Jose Villarreal, but most importantly it is critical that keeper Carlo Cudicini return to early season form.
Game Note: Galaxy lone goal came off the foot of forward Gyasi Zardes, his first career goal as a professional.
Next Game: LA @ Philadelphia Union Wednesday May 15 @ 4:30
For more on the #LAGalaxy, follow @SportSpeakLA on Twitter.
Galaxy Over Whitecaps
written by: Christopher Murry
@ChrisRyanMurry
After taking a couple pages out of the Chivas USA's book the previous two matches, the Galaxy bounced back Wednesday night with a huge win over Eastern Conference playoff contender, Philadelphia.
This is stop two of the three-games-in-nine-days tour for LA, and the news that forward Robbie Keane would be returning from injury after missing the last three contests with a sprained ankle couldn’t have come at a better time.
The Galaxy have struggled offensively, being out scored 4-1 in their last two games resulting in back-to-back losses - but there is no sense in bringing up old stuff. LA put all those struggles behind them with a four goal effort at PPL Park in Philly, last night.
The game opened up with a goal only three minutes in when Philadelphia goal keeper, Zac MacMath, had a Landon Donovan corner kick deflect off his head and into the back of the net for the early LA 1-0 lead. The Union bounced back twenty minutes later when Sheanon Williams set up to Amobi Okugo for the equalizing header.
At the half, LA and Philadelphia were all knotted up at one goal a piece. Coming into the match, the Galaxy's Donovan had been in the news about his US National Team status. The ongoing rift between him and US head coach Jurgen Klinsmann had heated up over the last week, resulting in Donovan openly discussing the pure fact that he just needed to play better, and return to elite form. Well, in the second half of Wednesday night's match, Donovan did exactly that.
Donovan, playing in his 200th career game, led the three goal second half assault with a goal of his own and was tagged for two assists, including the assist that set up Robbie Keane for the game-winning goal at the 71’ mark. Nine minutes later Donovan set up Hector Jimenez to take a 3-1 lead and then added his own touch to the scoring to set the final tally at 4-1.
For the Galaxy, LA showed signs of life returning to the field, could it be for the fact their slowly getting healthier, or could it just be what champions do. You can only go so far back against a wall before it’s time to start pressing forward.
LA needed to make a statement heading into Sunday mornings showdown with Eastern Conference top-dog New York Red Bulls and with a solid TEAM effort like the one displayed in Philadelphia, LA fans should like their chances at New York.
Next Match: @ New York Red Bulls, Sunday, May 19 @ 10am
For more on the #LAGalaxy, follow @SportSpeakLA on Twitter
LA Galaxy Cruises Over Philadelphia
written by Christopher Murry
@ChrisRyanMurry
LA Galaxy Sign Rogers, Trade Magee
written by: Christopher Murry
@ChrisRyanMurry
It was a groundbreaking day Sunday night in Carson, Ca - It was a day that may have opened up the world to acceptance.
It was a day that, even if in your heart you disagree with preference, you cheer because for a couple hours nothing else mattered, only the joy of sport. It was a day similar to the one of April 15, 1947. The day the Brooklyn Dodgers broke the color line by starting Jackie Robinson at first base.
Well, on this night of May 26, 2013, the Galaxy joined the record books of American sports history, as a pioneer. Recently signed, forward, Robbie Rogers became the first actively gay athlete to participate in an American professional team sport.
Rogers entered the game at the 77', with the Galaxy well on their way to a 4-0 victory. All the reasons Robbie stepped away from the game of soccer, were washed away with the roar of cheers from 24,811 fans, and “Robbie, Robbie” chants that echoed throughout the Home Depot Center seats.
In a 90' span (13' on the field) Rogers felt complete and at peace with himself for the first time in his life.
Rogers wasn’t the only Robbie on the field making headlines: Robbie Keene put himself in Galaxy history, scoring three consecutive goals a mere ten minutes apart. By the 44' Keene had three goals, and had given head coach Bruce Arena a dominant threat on penalty kick situations (Keene two for two, Sunday night, Donovan missed two penalty kicks in two 1-0 losses this season).
For Keene this is his first hat trick in the MLS, and with Mike Magee no longer suiting up for LA, it’s encouraging to see someone pick up the aggressiveness so quickly.
So this is the new reality for the Galaxy, no Magee to invest your future into, and now the Galaxy becomes the father for the acceptance of sexuality in professional sports. Racism is no longer a factor is sports, and until tonight gay athletes playing in America, professionally, was a mere conversation, an unheard reality.
Whether the trade of arguably your best player makes any sense at this point, it truly is irrelevant. What the Galaxy came together as a group, as a team, as a brotherhood, to put aside adversity and put a 4-0 shutout on one of Major League Soccers hottest teams.
Season Notes:
With the 4-0 win over Seattle, LA now sits in fourth place in the Western Conference, seven points behind FC Dallas for first, and one point behind Real Salt Lake for third.
Four of the next five MLS games are on the road, the next official game being June 2 at New England. Before this upcoming stretch LA takes on the Carolina Railhawks for the US Open Cup at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.
Side Note:
As a Mike Magee fan, I wish him the best in Chicago.
The LA Galaxy wrapped up their three-games-in-nine-days road show, Sunday morning in the Big Apple. Following back-to-back losses LA bounced back with an offensive flurry against the Philadelphia Union, Wednesday night, and looked to carry the momentum into Red Bull Arena against the Eastern Conference “Beasts of the East”.
The Galaxy opened up the first half as the early aggressors, keeping the ball on New York’s side of the field, but couldn’t get anything past the stellar defensive play of Jamison Olave. When the Galaxy did have good looks, Red Bulls goal keeper Luis Robles came up big between the posts.
At the 28’ mark, it looked as if New York would go up 1-0. Fabian Espinoza got a ball behind LA goal keep Carlo Cudicini but a good hustle play by A.J. DeLaGarza kept the ball from crossing the line.
Robbie Keane had a chance to give LA the lead just before half on a penalty kick, but Robles made the play of the game, going up high and punching the ball over the cross bar. The game played to a 0-0 halftime score.
Following the break New York opened up stronger than the opening minutes, putting LA on its heels but Omar Gonzalez put together a great defensive effort against Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry, keeping him silent throughout the game, even frustrating him late in the match.
The LA defensive play came up big for 90’, but needed 91’. New York broke the scoreless tie with only seconds remaining in the match. Tim Cahill’s header off of a free kick went beyond the reach of LA keeper Carlo Cudicini, who should have come out of the box to make the save, but stayed home to point fingers at the LA defenseman.
The two teams exchanges possessions a couple of times and the game was over. New York stole the win 1-0 in front of the home crowd, leaving LA head coach Bruce Arena shaking his head on the sidelines.
For New York, the Red Bulls improve their unbeaten streak to six, joining FC Dallas as the only seven win teams in the league.
For the Galaxy, the loss is their third in four games, dropping their record to 5-4-2. With an FC Dallas loss Saturday night, LA remains seven points behind the West leaders.
LA returns to Home Depot Center next Sunday to take on the Seattle Sounders.
For more on the #LAGalaxy, follow @SportSpeakLA on Twitter
Galaxy's 3 Games in 9 Days Ends
written by: Christopher Murry
@ChrisRyanMurry
To sum things up rather quickly: the LA Galaxy were smacked right in the mouth, not once, not twice, but five times.
I thought the Galaxy were playing the Revolution, didn’t know Tom Brady would be coordinating this match, because New England clearly took a page out of the Patriots playbook.
LA, shorthanded, held their own for the first 45’ but following the break, the lack of depth on the roster shined through. The Galaxy came out in the second half and gave up four goals, including three in a 7 minute span. New England went on to shut out LA, 5-0.
LA does have somewhat of an excuse: Robbie Keane and Omar Gonzalez were away from the team on national duties, but those guys will be returning next week. I don’t want to jump to conclusions but I think the empty spot named Mike Magee really came back to bite LA in the behind. Magee settled in quickly with his new club playing 87 minutes, taking five shots and scoring one of the two goals in Chicago’s win over DC United.
Robbie Rogers, who was traded for Magee, went 24 minutes with only one shot on goal.
The Galaxy are 2-3 on their seven of nine games on the road, having been shut out three times in their last six (including the May 5, 1-0 loss at home to Houston).
LA is playing inconsistent ball, for any team in any sport, inconsistency doesn’t win championships. Since trading Magee to Chicago the road got a little tougher. Not only are they falling farther behind FC Dallas, but they now need players who haven’t stepped up throughout the season TO STEP UP NOW. A 5-0 shut out to New England is inexcusable. There isn’t justification in losing, but if you're going to find an excuse in Sunday's match - name it “shorthanded."
In last week's win over Seattle, Keane put together a three goal effort, but he wasn’t playing keeper. Carlo Cudicini was very much in Foxboro, and must play better than allowing five goals.
The next four games will be telling to the season with the first two against teams directly in front of the Galaxy in the standings. Real Salt Lake and Portland have a combined 13 wins, but LA only trails them by a total of four points. The Galaxy can easily jump to the second seed with upset wins. The two that follow are against teams with a combined six wins, and should be used as doormats (Chivas USA and San Jose).
LA fans, sit back welcome the return of Keane and Gonzalez and let's watch the Galaxy go 4-0 over the next four weeks, and end up second in the standings.
For more on the #LAGalaxy, follow @SportSpeakLA on Twitter.
After eleven days off, the LA Galaxy returned to the field Wednesday night, christening the recently renamed StubHub Center.
Although the action wasn’t on either side of the ball, LA bounced back from conceding eight goals over the last two games to post a shutout in the 0-0 tie with the Portland Timbers. The tie snaps LA’s 3-game losing streak, in any type of play, but extends the winless streak to four.
Head coach Bruce Arena has been busy this season, making lineup changes 20 times this year. With the recent acquisition of Pablo Mastroeni, the lineup is sure to change at least one more time. He made his Galaxy debut in the second half stoppage time, replacing Rafael Garcia. LA acquired the veteran midfielder from the Colorado Rapids earlier this week.
Mastroeni has played in over 350 MLS games, including leading the Rapids to the 2010 MLS Championship. After 16 years in the MLS (4 with Miami Fusion, 12+ with Colorado), Mastroeni is someone who Landon Donovan (and Joe Tutino in our interview) said can help the Galaxy in a number of ways.
Despite the Galaxy not getting a win Wednesday night, they didn’t take a loss either. LA still remains tied for fifth in the Western Conference at 21 points.
With World Cup qualifying and the trade of Mike Magee, the Galaxy haven’t been a solid unit in quite a few weeks. Although LA welcomed back Robbie Keane to the team, Jose Villarreal was away playing for the U.S. Under-20 National Team.
So fifth place in the West doesn’t look so bad when you look at all the loose ends. The Galaxy still only remain seven points behind FC Dallas, and with the next three games (two at Stub Hub Center) against teams on the outside of the playoff picture, this may be a good time for the Galaxy to tighten up the crew and play championship soccer. There is no excuse for not resetting the season Saturday afternoon against cross-hall rivals Chivas USA.
LA has been flirting with devastation all season, but have been just doing just enough to stay afloat. Well, guess what boys? It’s time to make a move. If there was ever a perfect moment to put together three straight wins and start pressing on the top of the Western Conference, IT IS NOW! The season is far from over, but I think we have made enough excuses for losses. Eventually these winnable points in the season are going to come few and far between.
Game Note:
-Robbie Rogers made his first start of the year.
-Todd Dunivant returned for the third time this season from a leg injury suffered two months ago, the previous two attempts at a return proved to be too soon.
Dunivant hasn’t played since the May 19 loss at New York.
Next Game: June 23 (Saturday) @ Chivas USA 8pm (Stub Hub Center)
Mike Magee tracker:
Scored his third goal as member of the Chicago Fire in the 2-1 win over Colorado
For more on the #LAGalaxy, follow @SportSpeakLA on Twitter
What are the LA Galaxy doing?
It’s being reported by multiple sources around the country that the LA Galaxy have traded for former Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire midfielder, Robbie Rogers.
“OK, so what's the big deal?” - You ask?
Oh nothing, just the simple fact that getting shipped to Chicago is the leading goal scorer and fan favorite of the Galaxy, Mike Magee.
One other fact to mention, Robbie Rogers is openly gay, and the first time he puts on the Herbalife jersey, he will become the first actively gay male athlete to compete in an American professional team sport.
I am all for human beings keeping it real with themselves and society about their sexual orientation. I don’t believe anyone should live a life in secret, in hesitance, and in silence, quite frankly I don’t care what you do in the privacy of your own home.
I have major issues with this whole trade, though. For one, Mike Magee has been the only gem for the Galaxy this season. Magee leads the team in goals with six, four more than Robbie Keane (by the way Keane is on leave from the Galaxy to play with the Irish national team for the next two friendlies).
Magee has more than doubled Marcelo Charvas with total shots taken at 36, and has six more shots on goal then Jose Villarreal.
I don’t understand how you trade a man who is having arguably the best year of his career, and has become a fixture in Bruce Arena’s offense. Magee did nothing to deserve this, and quite frankly if I were him, this would be used as the most disrespectful scenario I have ever faced, and I would vow to make the LA Galaxy pay for such a move.
Second, what kind of move are the Galaxy really making here? Is this a PR move? Are the Galaxy taking a stand by signing an openly gay athlete? I know Robbie Rogers has been training with LA for the past few weeks, but is team president Chris Klein making this move for all the wrong reasons?
LA has just traded arguably their best player for a player who quit for three months to find himself? The LA Galaxy traded a potential superstar for someone who may bring media attention, but hasn’t played in the MLS in over two years.
To Rogers credit, maybe he comes in and looks the player he did in 2008 (led the Columbus Crew to a MLS Cup), maybe he comes in with this new-found freedom and plays his tail off, but that's all yet to be seen. As of this morning, May 25, 2013............ This trade is not sitting right in the eyes of many Galaxy fans, including myself.
The pressure for Rogers to succeed has been elevated to the max, because everyone knows exactly who Magee is and what he did this season. The Galaxy may have just traded away their hopes at a third consecutive MLS Cup.
For more on the #LAGalaxy, follow @SportSpeakLA on Twitter
Although the schedule said last night's game was a road game for the Galaxy, the address and Los Angeles skies said otherwise.
Last night at the Stub Hub Center part two of three installments for the “SuperClasico” took place in front of a near empty house (Chivas USA home team).
LA snapped a 3-game winless streak with a 1-0 win over struggling Chivas USA. Gyasi Zardes stole the show tonight, taking eight shots on goal including multiple opportunities to add to the score throughout the night.
Zardes hit the crossbar in the 25’, hit the post in the 35’, headed a ball just wide before the half, and finally scored the lone goal in the 44’ (his second of the season, and MLS career).
Robbie Rogers scored in the 32’, but the goal was rescinded with Robbie Keane being caught offsides directly in front of the net.
For the Galaxy, the win puts them back in the right column, also extending their shut out streak to two games (0-0 draw earlier in the week vs. Portland).
The final score can seem deceiving, but a win is a win. For a team who has lost seven consecutive games (Chivas USA) and a team who needs to capitalize on opportunities (LA Galaxy), LA could have used an offensive slaughter over Chivas.
Nonetheless, the shots on goal are a +10 for LA (16-6) with the Galaxy holding possession most of the game. Week by week, little by little, LA is returning to full strength. Once Jose Villarreal returns from the U.S. 20-under National Team, LA will be rolling.
Up next for the Galaxy - a trip to San Jose to take on the Earthquakes. San Jose who was atop the Western Conference has struggled of late going 1-5-1 over their last seven. Much to do with the absence of reigning MLS MVP Chris Wondolowski. As much as that is unfortunate for San Jose, LA needs to seize the opportunities presented to them and dominate every golden chance. The Earthquakes fell to FC Dallas 1-0, keeping Dallas seven points ahead of the Galaxy.
Next Match: June 29, 7:30 @ Stanford Stadium, Palo Alto, Ca
Mike Magee tracker: goal scored in Chicago’s 2-1 win over Columbus (4th with the Fire)
For more on the #LAGalaxy, follow @SportSpeakLA on Twitter.
LA has been in this position for weeks now, keeping a seven point gap between them and the conference leader.
It’s been a roller coaster of a first half, with many players leaving the team for either World Cup qualifying or CONCACAF play. This isn’t something that qualifies as a legitimate excuse - every other team in the league has dealt with the same shuffling of rosters.
The issue after 16 games is consistency. Every game seems to feature either a hero or zero. The field doesn’t get any smaller, and the ball doesn’t change shape.
LA either holds a lead till late in the game, or doesn’t show up until late in the game. The last two weeks have featured this problem. On June 29 against San Jose, LA held a 2-1 lead heading into stoppage time. Separated only by minutes, the Earthquakes rallied to put two goals behind Galaxy keeper-Carlo Cudicini to win, for the second year in a row by way of late comeback, 3-2.
Last night at Stub Hub Center, LA trailed the Columbus Crew 1-0 heading into the final minutes, when Robbie Keane converted a pair of penalty opportunities to give LA the 2-1 win. These games could have gone either way, but penalty kicks are a golden opportunity. Had the Galaxy not relinquished their June 29 lead against San Jose, we're talking about a three game win streak, with an unbeaten streak at four. These are reasons why the Galaxy can’t get over the hump in the Western Conference.
The top teams in the league win the games they need to, that's why they're the top teams. Teams that hang around the bottom of the playoff bubble have an issue with consistency, but win enough to make the playoffs. For the 2-time defending MLS champions, just making the playoffs is unacceptable. At 8-7-3, the Galaxy break into the second half of the season with a HUGE match against FC Dallas, this Sunday (7/7/13).
LA has been chasing FC Dallas for most of the season, although Real Salt Lake has taken over the top spot in the West, this is a must-win to gain any type of ground on either team. In fact, the next four games will play a pivotal role in the layout of the conference.
After LA faces FC Dallas, they turn around and take on the three teams that currently makeup a Galaxy sandwich-Portland three points ahead of LA, Vancouver and Colorado one point behind.
In any sport - the second half is when it’s time to buckle up and punch it. Every team ahead and behind LA will be playing with the same mentality. Come July 27, we will see who the Galaxy really are.
Next Match: 7/7/13 @FC Dallas 7:30
Mike Magee tracker: In five games with Chicago, Magee has scored four goals. Chicago is 4-0-1 since Mike Magee arrived in Chicago
Galaxy win! Galaxy win! Galaxy win!
Finally, a quality win for a team who has struggled to create some sort of identity since the trade of Mike Magee.
Tonight at Stub Hub Center, the LA Galaxy welcomed in one of the top teams in the MLS, FC Dallas. Behind goals from Marcelo Sarvas and Hector Jimenez, LA sent FC Dallas back to the lone star state with a 2-0 loss.
The game played scoreless through a majority of the match, the first 65 minutes saw opportunities for both clubs, but neither team could break the others defense.
In the 65’ minute Robbie Keane beat Stephen Keel on the sidelines, placed a ball perfectly over the middle where Marcelo Sarvas headed in the game's first goal (Galaxy 1-0). Robbie Rogers' assist to Hector Jimenez at 80’ gave the game it’s final score: 2-0.
LA dominated the match outscoring FC Dallas 22-6. Galaxy keeper-Carlo Cudicini played extremely well, keeping the counterpart out of the net. Cudicini’s leaping save at 76’, propelled LA to their eighth shutout of the season. Although the Galaxy had numerous scoring chances, a win is a win. With the win, LA picks up three points in the Western Conference, now just four points off the lead (Real Salt Lake) in third place.
Without Landon Donovan, who is away with the US National Team (CONCACAF play), head coach Bruce Arena stuck with the same lineup that beat the Columbus Crew Thursday night. The win over FC Dallas not only avenged their 1-0 loss back on April 13, but it’s the type of win LA will continue to need as they rapidly make a move on the top of the Western Conference. LA now, 9-7-3 take on the Portland Timbers, next Saturday. To have tonight's win mean something, LA has to bounce back with another big win over a team who is tied with the Galaxy for third in the West.
When the Galaxy play like they did last night, they are hard to beat. It was a complete win out on the field of Stub Hub Center, and now that the team 99 percent complete (Landon Donovan) all the excuses are out the window. We’re now in the second half of the season, consider the first 16 games preliminary, be fortunate that LA is four points out of first. Now let’s make a run for a third consecutive MLS Title and leave everything on the field.
Next Match: 7/13/13 @ Portland
Mike Magee tracker: MLS leading 11th goal of the season (6 w/ LA, 5 w/ Chicago) in Chicago Fire 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City
For more on the #LAGalaxy, follow @SportSpeakLA on Twitter.
It seems to be a growing theme for the Galaxy this season: Take two steps forward, take two steps back.
The inconsistency continued last night in Portland’s JELD-WEN Field when LA, again, gave up the game-winning goal late in stoppage-time.
On the other hand, you can say, the Galaxy seem to very consistent with their late game faults.
Marcelo Sarvas gave LA a 1-0 lead at 17’ when he put his fourth goal of the season behind Portland keeper Donovan Ricketts.
Ricketts was near flawless for most of the match, making great save after great save, his only mistake coming early in the game.
Portland came right back ten minutes later to even things up on Ryan Johnson’s team-leading sixth goal of the year.
The match would play scoreless to the half and through the second half. With only seconds remaining in the five-minute stoppage play, Timbers defender-Andrew Jean-Baptiste broke through the LA defense, set himself up perfectly on Diego Valeri’s corner kick and scored his first goal of the season, giving Portland the 2-1 win.
For both teams, goalies Carlo Cudicini(LA) and Donovan Ricketts (Portland) played outstanding. Numerous opportunities to blow this game wide open were either punched away or cleared with a diving save. Ricketts just made one more save than his counterpart Cudicini.
With sole possession of second place on the line entering the match, Portland (8-2-9) now holds that spot in the Western Conference (33 points). LA (9-8-3) falls back into fourth place, just three points behind Portland and seven points off of Real Salt Lake’s conference lead. A Vancouver win over Chicago could drop LA to fifth before the weekend is over.
LA is still playing good soccer over the last six matches, going 3-2-1, outscoring their opponents 8-6. The little mistakes are still their, the late game mistakes are becoming LA’s Achilles heal. The season is far from over, but an all important match-up with Vancouver Whitecaps FC next Saturday is a MUST WIN.
Next Match: vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 7/20/13-Stub Hub Center
Mike Magee tracker: face Vancouver Sunday 7/14/13
At this point in the season it’s hard to determine a definitive, clear-cut, odds-on favorite to take the MLS Cup. All nineteen teams in the league have had their struggles.
The Western and Eastern Conferences have flip-flopped at the top. Just a few weeks ago FC Dallas led the Western Conference and now they're on the outside looking in of the playoff picture - still only five points off the lead.
Colorado has climbed to second, with Portland making a run to third. Sitting right behind these teams are the Galaxy. In the LA market it’s easy to believe that there is no way the Galaxy can make a run for a third consecutive title, but for the rest of the league the conversation is similar in their respective markets.
Following the completion of the International Champions Cup at Dodger Stadium (8/3), LA will have twelve remaining MLS games scheduled, of the twelve, six are against teams who are currently in the playoffs or tied for a playoff spot. The toughest stretch coming immediately - opening up on the road with FC Dallas (8/11) then returning to the Stub Hub Center to face Real Salt Lake(8/17). The Galaxy enter second-half play complete and healthy.
Arguably the greatest MLS player to ever dawn a jersey, Landon Donovan, rejoins the team. Donovan has been away with the US National team for the Gold Cup tournament (USA-Gold Cup Champions). Someone in the league is going to get hot, most likely a couple teams are going to make a run. LA is in a perfect position to take advantage of the .500 play throughout the league and jump start the Western Conference. 50/50 play may be enough to get into the playoffs this year, but as defending 2-time champions it’s time to "put your big boy pants on” (Kobe Bryant to Pau Gasol reference) and play soccer.
International Champions Cup:
Real Madrid 3, Galaxy 1 @University of Phoenix Stadium-Glendale, Arizona
Next Friendly:
vs. Juventus (International Champions Cup) Saturday 8/3/13 @Dodger Stadium 7:30pm
For LA Galaxy .500 may be OK
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With the hat trick from Keane, the Galaxy cruised to a 4-2 victory, taking the season series two games to one. The win tightens up the lead in the Western Conference race to only four points between LA and RSL.
Now 1-0-1 since the International Champions Cup, LA has a lot to be proud of; for nearly the first time all season, LA is playing with a full deck of cards and the offensive juggernaut that the Galaxy are capable of being has shown its face over the last week. The Galaxy has scored seven goals in two games. The break gave LA a chance to get the full squad back together. It’s amazing how only in soccer can you have a season in full swing and have all your star players spread out all over the world playing for a number of national teams.
Can you imagine Lebron James taking a week off from the Miami Heat, during May, to go play in Turkey? Although this would never happen in other American professional sports, this is the reality for soccer players.
Nonetheless, everyone is back together, Donovan, Keane, Omar Gonzalez, Hector Jimenez, Juninho, Gyasi Zardes, everybody is in place for a run at a 3-peat.
The Galaxy is off to a great start in the second half of the season, but the road will not get any easier. With the playoffs on the horizon, LA might as well be playing with targets on their backs. Anytime you're the defending champs, let alone the 2-time defending champs, other teams are gunning for you.
The Galaxy need to continue to let the game come to them, the scoring opportunities will continue to be there, maybe not a hat trick every week, but they will have chances to put the ball in the net. Two of the next four are against the league's worst (San Jose, and DC United). Mixed in between these matches are teams currently in the playoffs. LA needs to stay hungry, and take every game like it's an elimination possibility. At this junction in the season a loss against anyone can provide a devastating blow.
Next Match: Friendly vs. Cartaginés, Tuesday 8/20 @Stub Hub Center
Next MLS Match: 8/24 @ Vancouver White Caps FC
Mike Magee tracker: In eleven games with the Chicago Fire, Magee has scored a team high 8 goals. Prior to the trade to Chicago, Magee had 6 goals with the Galaxy.
Galaxy Win on Keane Hat Trick
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