The LA Galaxy Under-18’s were unable to overcome a pair of early defensive breakdowns on Tuesday as they dropped their second game of the Development Academy 2-0 to the Dallas Texans.
Dallas scored two goals in the first half with strikes from Broady Hickey in the 17th minute off a penalty and Christin Soldat, who capitalized on a defensive breakdown seven minutes later. Following the Texans two goals early, the Galaxy controlled the run of play throughout the second half, but were unable to cut the lead to one. That doesn’t mean that they didn’t have plenty of opportunities, however, as LA was unable to find the back of the net.
Heading into the final match day, Group 8 remains wide open as the Texans lead the way with four points, the Galaxy are in second with three, New England Revolution with two, and San Jose Earthquakes with one.
The Galaxy can assure a place in Finals Week with a victory over New England and a Texans loss or tie to the Earthquakes on Thursday. If Dallas defeats San Jose then they will qualify for Finals Week regardless of the Galaxy result.
Heading into the final match, Yi believes that his players will be focused and ready on Thursday.
“I get the feeling from these guys that I don’t have to say much. They know what they have to do. I strongly believe that we should have gotten something out of this game with the amount of possession and clear chances that we created for ourselves in the second half,” Yi told LA Galaxy Insider. “No one likes to lose, but you have different reactions to a loss and I’m pretty upbeat going into New England. The effort that these guys put in -- besides two plays -- was outstanding.”
