CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano’s Three Points to the LA Galaxy’s scoreless draw with the Montreal Impact.
THE OFFENSE STALLS
The LA Galaxy’s much hyped attack has now been shut out for two consecutive matches after a scoreless draw against the Montreal Impact.
LA’s front six struggled to find their rhythm throughout the night as the Galaxy were uncharacteristically wasteful in the final third. As sloppy as the Galaxy attack was at times, the Impact were compact and organized not conceding too much space to LA, with Robbie Keane’s chance in the 34th minute, that was saved by Evan Bush, the team’s best opportunity of the match. After scoring 23 goals in their previous five games, the Galaxy have now been blanked in two consecutive matches.
Tonight’s draw is just the second time that the Galaxy have been blanked at home this season. LA’s first goose egg came during their June 6 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
DEFENSE DOES WELL TO STOP DIDIER DROGBA
Most of the buzz ahead of Saturday’s match surrounded Montreal Impact forward Didier Drogba, but the Ivorian forward was mostly rendered a non-factor thanks to the Galaxy defense.
The new central defense pairing of Omar Gonzalez and Dave Romney excelled against the Ivorian, limiting his chances and preventing the Impact from linking up with the striker. Drogba’s best opportunity did not come until the game’s dying moments when he fired a shot just wide right of Donovan Ricketts’ goal.
The shutout is certainly a step in the right direction for a Galaxy backline that has not earned a clean sheet since July 4, and should provide plenty of confidence heading into next week’s tussle with Real Salt Lake.
GIOVANI DOS SANTOS EXITS AT HALFTIME WITH PRECAUTIONARY ISSUE
LA Galaxy fans were left holding their breath at the start of the second half after Giovani dos Santos was substituted as a precautionary measure by head coach Bruce Arena.
The 26-year-old Mexican international was removed at halftime with what was described as groin soreness. Dos Santos was the victim of several hard challenges during the first half of the match with Montreal including a crushing blow by Wandrille Lefevre midway through the first half. Following the match, Galaxy boss Bruce Arena described Dos Santos’ injury as “minor.”
Dos Santos will have a full week to get back to full fitness as the Galaxy return to action next Saturday when they travel to face Real Salt Lake on Sept. 19.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
