CARSON, Calif. – Sean Franklin knows that he could have done better last Sunday when Portland Timbers forward Maximiliano Urruti beat him to the end line and flicked in the only goal of Portland's 1-0 victory over the LA Galaxy. Now the Galaxy right back is determined not to let that happen again.
Urruti’s goal is emblematic of the set piece goals—the team has allowed 13 to date— that have plagued the Galaxy throughout the season. After the error in the Rose City, Franklin admits that the team must get back on track when it comes to defending set pieces.
“We’re definitely not going to get back to the playoffs or win any championships by allowing goals like that. I think that I just need to bump him or beat him to the spot,” said Franklin. “[Urruti] was able to beat me and score a goal, but that’s just not acceptable on my part. Especially with how late it is in the season when every point counts.”
The Galaxy and Franklin will look to get back to winning ways on Sunday when they take on Chivas USA in the final edition of the SuperClasico. Although allowing set piece goals has certainly been a recurring theme for LA this year, Franklin insists that the problem will be fixed in time for the postseason.
“This week is huge. I’m disappointed with the result last week, but this is a huge game this week against Chivas. It’s going to be ugly and scrappy as it always is,” said Franklin. “This game is going to be a fight and I’m looking forward to getting ready to go to war on Sunday with my teammates.”
