CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his Three Things We Learned from the LA Galaxy’s 2-1 win over Columbus Crew SC.
BRUCE ARENA’S RECORDS HIS 200th CAREER WIN (FINALLY)
Bruce Arena notched his 200th career win thanks to some clutch finishing from two of his key contributors.
After imploring his squad throughout the week to be more lethal in front of goal, the Galaxy bagged two golazos in the second half from Baggio Husidic and Giovani dos Santos to seal the 2-1 victory. The Galaxy dominated possession throughout their contest with Columbus, but were forced to wait until the 78th minute until Los Angeles opened the scoring through Husidic’s 25-yard blast. Four minutes later, Dos Santos doubled the Galaxy’s lead after chipping goalkeeper Steve Clark.
With the landmark win finally under his belt, the Galaxy boss will now turn his attention to making a run at another MLS Cup.
GOALKEEPER BRIAN ROWE FANTASTIC IN WIN
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Brian Rowe once again had another brilliant performance in goal for the LA Galaxy.
Rowe made seven saves on the evening— five of which came in the first half when the Crew were pushing for an early goal. The 27-year-old’s most important stop occurred in the 13th minute when Rowe pounced on an Ethan Finlay chance sparked by some attractive offensive buildup by Columbus. The goalkeeper was also able to make the initial save on Columbus’ late penalty but was unable to stop the rebound shot by Adam Jahn.
After another strong showing by Rowe, the LA Galaxy ‘keeper is further cementing his position as one of the best goalkeepers in Major League Soccer.
RAUL MENDIOLA SHINES IN FIRST CAREER MLS START
Raul Mendiola performed admirably in his first career MLS start on Saturday evening.
Despite the attack being focused down Ema Boateng and the Galaxy’s left flank, Mendiola was energetic and dangerous throughout his 80-minute shift. Displaying his trademark high-work rate, Mendiola hustled on both sides of the ball until left the match in the 80th minute with an apparent cramp.
With the Galaxy missing several of their attacking stars, Mendiola’s showing is a positive sign for a Galaxy team that needs their youngsters to step up down the stretch run in the absence of some of the club’s veteran players.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
