CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his “Three Things We Learned” from the Galaxy’s 1-1 draw with the Portland Timbers.
CHAOS REIGNS AT THE END OF HARD-FOUGHT DRAW
The LA Galaxy’s draw with the Portland Timbers started off slowly, but a, frenetic final 30 minutes left both side shaking their heads.
The match exploded into life after Fanendo Adi put the Portland Timbers ahead in the 52nd minute. Down a goal at home, the Galaxy pushed desperately for an equalizer but missed several clear-cut chances. Sebastian Lletget was the liveliest of the Galaxy attackers and his good work finally paid off in the 84th minute when Portland’s Nat Borchers headed in his cross for the Galaxy equalizer.
The most controversial moment, however, occurred in the 73rd minute when Nigel de Jong mistimed a tackle on Darlington Nagbe and collided with the midfielder’s ankle, which resulted in a yellow card from referee Allen Chapman. The injury forced Nagbe from the match and set off a string of rough challenges from both sides at the end of the game. Due to the uproar over Nagbe’s possible injury, the MLS Disciplinary Committee is likely to review De Jong’s tackle.
RAFAEL GARCIA STEPS UP IN PLACE OF THE INJURED ROBBIE ROGERS
Rafael Garcia enjoyed solid 82-minute showing in relief of the injured Robbie Rogers in the Galaxy’s 1-1 draw with Portland.
The natural central midfielder didn’t look out of place, despite playing in an unnatural position. Garcia showed an ability to not only shut down his marker, but also an impressive recovery speed when players were able to get in behind him. On the offensive end, Garcia showed that he is not yet a finished product, but did provide several dangerous crosses that challenged Portland defenders.
The lone blemish of the evening happened at the least opportune time when Fanendo Adi scored while matched up with Garcia. Despite a fantastic strike by Adi, Garcia provided the forward with just enough space for him to rifle off a wonderful shot.
GIOVANI DOS SANTOS RETURNS TO ACTION BUT RESULTS ARE MIXED
Giovani dos Santos made his return to the field during the Galaxy’s draw with the Portland Timbers on Sunday evening.
The 26-year-old forward went 65 minutes for Los Angeles in their 1-1 tie with Portland, playing primarily as a withdrawn forward, often dropping into the midfield. Throughout his appearance, Dos Santos showed an ability to make the runs that Galaxy fans have come to expect, but the forward was unable to have a direct impact on the game.
If it all goes according to plan, Dos Santos can be expected to earn a longer run out next week when the Galaxy travel to face the Houston Dynamo.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
