COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The LA Galaxy Insider project is continuing to evolve on a daily basis and part of that evolution is creating more engagement with the readers.
As part of that pursuit, allow me to introduce a new segment to the blog called "Ask the Insider." After each match, readers are encouraged to provide their questions on the LA Galaxy Facebook page and one question will be answered right here on the blog, with the winner receiving tickets to an upcoming game.
Below is the first installment of "Ask the Insider":
FromMarvin G. Machón: How difficult was it for the big four (A.J. DeLaGarza, Omar Gonzalez, Sean Franklin and Todd Dunivant) to start a game together for the first time this year? Did everything just click or was it hard to adjust to each other again?
Thanks for the question, Marvin.
If it was difficult for LA's "big four" to play together again for the first time in nearly a year, they hardly showed it on Sunday against Chivas USA. Throughout the match, the back four looked like the organized and cohesive unit that anchored the Galaxy to the 2011 MLS Cup championship as they repeatedly shut down the Rojiblancos attack--limiting them to just three shots on goal.
The back four appeared in sync from the opening whistle and it showed during one of the game's definitive moments, which came in the 48th minute of play. With LA up by just a single goal, Chivas were able to take possession inside the Galaxy's 18-yard-box following a flubbed clearance by goalkeeper Josh Saunders. Rather than panic, the back line maintained their shape amid the onslaught as they deflected a pair of Chivas shots from close range—including a goal line clearance by DeLaGarza—before Juninho cleared the ball out of danger. This moment would prove decisive as less than 20 minutes later; Juninho doubled LA’s lead setting the stage for LA's 4-0 rout.
While all matches won't be as smooth as last Sunday -- and Wednesday's emotional match against the Crew promises to provide a stiff test to LA’s back line -- the quartet's performance was certainly a step in the right direction for a Galaxy team that has aspirations of climbing up the Western Conference standings.
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Thanks again to Marvin, you can get your tickets by e-mailing socialmedia@lagalaxy.com. For everyone else, remember to leave your questions on the LA Galaxy Facebook page following Wednesday's match for the chance to have your question featured.
We'll have more coverage of Wednesday's match following Tuesday's training session.
