CARSON, Calif. –LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano gives his Three Points to the LA Galaxy’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to the Houston Dynamo.
LACK OF SHARPNESS LIMITS THE LA GALAXY
Turnovers and a lack of sharpness proved the LA Galaxy’s undoing in a 1-0 defeat to the Houston Dynamo on Sunday.
Throughout the match, the Galaxy were unable to break down an organized Dynamo team as they struggled to string together passes against the active Houston midfield. However, LA’s lack of sharpness was most evident in the 25th minute when Landon Donovan missed a penalty kick as he saw his shot saved easily by Houston goalkeeper Tally Hall.
LA pushed forward late in search of the equalizer, but time and time again, the last pass eluded the Galaxy, who were unable to effectively test Hall. The most damning statistic was that Houston was able to block an impressive nine of LA’s shots at goal.
STELLAR MATCHES FROM DRIVER AND BOSWELL
Central to the Dynamo’s efforts on Sunday were a pair of bookends with Andrew Driver in the attack and Bobby Boswell in central defense.
Driver was one of the chief catalysts for Houston as his speed down the left flank placed considerable pressure on LA right back Sean Franklin. With his industrious play leading to opportunities for his teammates, he found himself one in the end. In the 56th minute, he sent a devastating shot from the edge of the area for the eventual game-winning-goal.
Meanwhile, Boswell was in great form against the Galaxy attack as his positioning limited opportunities for LA’s strike force of Charlie Rugg and Jose Villarreal. The defender was a threat on the offensive end as well as he nearly scored in the early stages of the game, but saw his header saved by LA ‘keeper Carlo Cudicini.
COCHRANE MAKING A CASE FOR ADDED MINUTES?
Rookie left back Greg Cochrane has continued to impress while filling in for Todd Dunivant, but regardless of when the veteran returns from his left leg strain, Cochrane may have made a case for greater minutes.
Against the Dynamo, the rookie from Louisville was a presence across the field as he attempted to spark chances down the left flank while also breaking up opportunities for the Dynamo. His finest moment came in the 84th minute when he fired a pinpoint cross to Gyasi Zardes, who headed the ball towards Mike Magee, but his chance was fired over the bar. However, as the match wore on, the Galaxy began to concentrate their efforts down the right flank moving away from the rookie.
Once Dunivant does return from injury, LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena may opt to give Cochrane added minutes further up the field at left midfield where he may be able to use his speed and crossing ability to create opportunities.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
