FRISCO, Texas. – The LA Galaxy clinched a berth in the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs on Sunday, but no one in the Galaxy locker room was smiling.
Los Angeles suffered their second consecutive loss on Saturday when they fell 1-0 to FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. Despite the loss, the Galaxy still clinched their ninth straight playoff appearance thanks to the Portland Timbers’ defeat at the hands of the Colorado Rapids.
However, after a lackluster performance in Frisco, the Galaxy were doing anything but celebrating their playoff qualification.
“Playoffs aren’t in our minds at all,” Galaxy boss Bruce Arena said. “We knew we were going to be in the playoffs at some point.”
The match was a frustrating one for the Galaxy, who struggled to generate much offense against the Supporters’ Shield favorites. Despite boasting a full complement of stars, the Galaxy registered just a single shot on goal in Frisco.
With the Galaxy struggling to generate offense, Dallas dominated the run of play as they peppered the Los Angeles net throughout the match. Dallas ultimately made the Galaxy pay in the 39th minute when Walker Zimmerman slid through the Los Angeles defense on a corner kick to put the hosts ahead for good.
“We work on [set pieces] a lot. Guys are well aware of it,” Arena said. “Pretty foolish goal to concede at the end of the first half. Really that simple. Everyone knows their responsibilities. We shouldn't be conceding that goal.
Added midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, “I thought it was a tight game. They scored on a set piece, obviously in a tight game, set pieces can decide it. They scored on a corner kick, something we focus on, but didn't handle it properly today.
“They pressed higher up the field and made it difficult to play it out of the back. When we played it long, their center backs handled the ball out of the air, and it came back at us. It was a difficult game.”
The Galaxy will now enjoy a two-week break to dust themselves off and prepare for their Oct. 16 game against the Houston Dynamo with hopes to start a late season run up the table.
“We're very disappointed to concede, and obviously disappointed with the result,” midfielder Steven Gerrard said. “But we need to dust ourselves down, and we need a huge reaction in our last two games.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
