SEATTLE—LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano offers his the three things that we learned following the LA Galaxy’s 1-1 draw with Seattle Sounders FC.
THE LA GALAXY ARE IN THE MLS CUP PLAYOFFS
The “Race for Seis” is officially underway.
The Galaxy clinched a berth in the 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs with their 1-1 draw with Seattle Sounders FC. With their qualification, the Galaxy have now made the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons.
Not only did the Galaxy clinch a berth in the playoffs, but they remain in contention for the Supporters’ Shield with 51 points which puts them level with Eastern Conference leader New York Red Bulls. However, without a victory and with many contenders holding games in hand on the Galaxy, LA face a tough test to win the Shield for the first time since 2011.
GALAXY DEFENSE MUST IMPROVE IN DYING MOMENTS
The LA Galaxy defense was on point for 90-plus minutes on Sunday night, but a late mistake in the dying moments of the game cost the Galaxy all three points at CenturyLink Field.
For 90 minutes, the Galaxy defense led by Omar Gonzalez kept the Seattle Sounders attack under wraps. Whether it was timely goalkeeping by Donovan Ricketts, clutch clearances by A.J. DeLaGarza or Gonzalez holding Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins at bay, LA defended well on the turf in Seattle.
Up a goal late, LA held on until stoppage time, when they conceded a corner that allowed Seattle the opportunity to pull level when Chad Barrett scored from close range. Following the match, the Galaxy locker room was unanimous in agreement that their concentration late in games must improve if the Galaxy is to make another deep run in the postseason.
ROBBIE KEANE STILL GOOD AT SOCCER
The late goal took the shine off another strong performance for Robbie Keane who scored his 17th goal of the season for the Galaxy.
The Galaxy captain executed his best American football impression when he intercepted a wayward Seattle pass, and launched a shot past Stefan Frei for the game’s opening goal. With his goal, Keane has now completed his fourth consecutive 16-plus goal season.
The Irishman will now depart on international duty to join the Republic of Ireland for European qualifying. Once he returns, the Galaxy will need their captain to be firing as they look to compete for the Supporters’ Shield.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
