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June 29, 2008
Galaxy Recap: Early Demise
Galaxy defender Ante Jazic got things going early for the blue-and-gold against D.C. United, but unfortunately, it got them going in the wrong direction.
Jazic fouled D.C. United midfielder Santino Quaranta in the penalty box as Quaranta was making a run towards the Galaxy goal. Referee Jair Marrufo did not hesitate to call the penalty which United forward Jaime Moreno then converted into a goal, all within the first 5 minutes of the game.
As the remainder of the first half unfolded, the Galaxy produced few opportunities, often times looking a step behind D.C. The Galaxy's glimmer of hope came at the 27th minute. Forward Edson Buddle increased his goal tally to 10 when he fought off 2 United defenders and put the ball into the back of the net to tie the game at one.
However, D.C. would take the lead back at the 37th minute on a goal by 2007 league MVP Luciano Emilio.
As the teams when into the lockers for their half time break, it was clear that the Galaxy were steadily giving up control of the game to D.C. United happily took the reins and overpowered the Galaxy till the end of the game.
Much of the 2nd half was played in the Galaxy defensive half of the pitch and one could sense it was only a matter of time before United would once again capitalize. United's midfield general, Marcelo Gallardo proved the point when he scored at the 60th minute, then helped setup Emilio's second of the game only 7 minutes later. The final score: D.C. 4, L.A. 1.
Sunday's game was an embarrassing performance from the Galaxy. The team showed little sense of urgency or desire to win, and this against one of their biggest rivals. Defense was nearly non-existent for the vast majority of the second half, and only United's mistakes kept the score from climbing up to 6 or 7 for the home side. The midfield produced very little offense, resulting in only a handful of scoring opportunities throughout the game, and only one in the second half.
While most other MLS teams have settled into some form of consistency (good or bad) as we close in on the mid-season mark, the Galaxy are as unpredictable today as they were on the season opener. One week they look like a championship team, the next they appear to simply be going through the motions. As the close to the transfer window quickly approaches, it'll be interesting to see which, if any, changes are introduced by means of trades, new signings and other player movements.
Photo by John M. Padilla/used with permission
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The most frightening part is that ABC had the brilliant idea of using the MLS game to bill it as a double-header with the Euro 2008 final. So in one game you're watching guys actually not be able to TRAP a ball, or passing it over and over to covered guys, so the ball and the defender arrive at the same time, thus collisions the whole game long all over the field, 3 straight passes not to be seen for the whole game; and then, the Spaniards giving you a taste of the GAME at its highest level.
I have Chivas season tickets. They slowly got rid of all the Mexican players, installed a hopelessly clueless coach and truly also stink. So there, LA has two dogs for soccer teams.
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Re: ABC, I think that was a smart gamble, but they lost on it.
Nobody knows how a game will play out until it is a done deal. Had it turned out to be a more balanced back and forth game, few people, if any, would criticize ABC's decision to bundle the double-header. I would argue that it may have served to generate more interest in the league from folks that don't normally follow it.
As the old saying goes: hindsight is 20/20.
Re: Chivas, not clear on whether your point is regarding mexican players or if that's just a side comment, but in any case, I think they have the potential of being a good team and are better than what their record shows. They've had some misfortunes similar to what the Galaxy experienced last year with all the injuries and what not, but do have the necessary pieces to play much better (if only they were able to use all their pieces). BTW, I am NOT a Chivas fan and I am willing to concede that.
As for the mex player thing...I'll assume it was just a side comment, as I don't see how they were a better team (on paper or on the field) in their earlier years when the mex players were still on the team. Even the most hardcore Chivas fans should be able to accept that.