PORTLAND –LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his Three Things We Learned from the LA Galaxy’s 1-0 win over the Portland Timbers in the U.S. Open Cup. With the win, the Galaxy advance to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals.
A CLEAN SHEET IN THE ROSE CITY
The LA Galaxy defense earned just their fifth shutout of 2016 in their 1-0 victory over the Portland Timbers on Wednesday.
Starting the same back four that earned a 1-1 draw against San Jose last weekend, the Galaxy put in a solid team performance to keep Portland off the board. Although the Galaxy were occasionally sloppy in possession, they were excellent in pressing the Timbers and recovering the ball. Los Angeles were able to prevent Portland from creating any real clear cut chances, with goalkeeper Clement Diop only having to make one save in the win.
The real action came in the final 30 minutes as the Timbers inserted Diego Valeri and Fanedo Adi to try and find an equalizer. Although the Galaxy have struggled to hold leads in league play lately, the defense held firm to preserve the clean sheet.
RAUL MENDIOLA SHOWS HE BELONGS WITH THE FIRST TEAM
Raul Mendiola made the most of his opportunity with the LA Galaxy first team during the club’s win over the Portland Timbers
Mendiola scored and put in a tidy all-around performance during his 63 minutes of action as Los Angeles advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup. His fifth minute goal was the game-winner, but what was most impressive about the 22-year-old’s showing was his ability to put in defensive work along the right side and repeatedly track back to win possession.
After his strong showing on both ends of the field, expect Mendiola to contend for minutes with the first team once the team resumes league play on Monday against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
GALAXY EARN DATE WITH SEATTLE SOUNDERS IN QUARTERFINALS
The LA Galaxy advanced to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals for the second consecutive season by virtue of their 1-0 win over the Portland Timbers.
The Galaxy will now host Seattle Sounders FC at StubHub Center on July 19 or 20. A win over the Sounders would put the Galaxy in the Open Cup semifinals for the first time in the Bruce Arena era.
A match against four-time Open Cup champions, Seattle will be difficult, but with the match at StubHub Center, the Galaxy will have to feel good about their chances.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
