CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his Three Things We Learned from the LA Galaxy’s 2-2 draw with Chicago Firepresented by SNHU.
A TURNING POINT FOR THE GALAXY?
After a dismal first half, the LA Galaxy put forth a strong second-half showing to claw back a two-goal deficit and earn a point against the Chicago Fire at StubHub Center on Saturday night.
Despite losing Jelle Van Damme (substitution) and Jermaine Jones (knee injury) in the first 45, the Galaxy salvaged a point thanks to goals from Daniel Steresand Giovani dos Santos. In the second half, Los Angeles outcompeted the Fire all over the park racking up 39 duels won in the final 45 minutes to just 27 by the Fire.
Galaxy boss Curt Onalfo proudly stated that the Galaxy “became a team” after an impressive second half fight back.
GIOVANI DOS SANTOS RETURNS TO SCORESHEET
Giovani dos Santos made a vital return to the scoresheet count during the LA Galaxy’s draw with Chicago.
The Mexican international notched his second goal of the season in the 65th minute to tie it up against the Fire. Dos Santos’ helped spark the Galaxy’s comeback when he was slotted into the playmaking role vacated by the injured Jermaine Jones. As the Galaxy clawed their way back into the game, Dos Santos’ influence in the second pass was evident as he completed 70 percent of his passes in the final 45 minutes and nearly assisted on a Bradley Diallo header that just sailed wide of the net.
Los Angeles have been patiently waiting for Dos Santos to return to form, and his first goal since March should give the Galaxy attack confidence ahead of a tough stretch of matches.
GALAXY’S FORTITUDE TO BE TESTED DURING FOUR-GAME ROAD SWING
It’s all uphill from here for the LA Galaxy.
The Galaxy earned a spirited draw against the Chicago Fire but now head on a punishing road stretch that will see them play their next four games away from StubHub Center. Onalfo’s Galaxy squad will make two cross-country trips to play the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United with games against Minnesota United and the San Jose Earthquakes sandwiched in-between.
After picking up two points during a three-game homestand, the Galaxy must show that they can improve their performances on Sunday in New York.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atwww.LAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.