SANDY, UT – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his Three Things We Learned from the LA Galaxy’s 1-0 victory over Real Salt Lake. The victory was Curt Onalfo’s first as head coach of the LA Galaxy.
EMA STILL OWNS REAL SALT LAKE
Ema Boateng remains the RSL killer.
Boateng scored the game-winner to give the Galaxy their first victory of the season in a 2-1 win over 10-man Real Salt Lake. Boateng's finish off a cross from Romain Alessandrini in the 74th minute gave the speedy Ghanian his fifth goal in just four games against the RSL across all competitions.
After the match, Boateng stressed that he's hopeful to translate his success against Salt Lake to the rest of the league. If he can, he'll be a very dangerous weapon for Curt Onalfo's offense.
NATHAN SMITH CHANGES THE GAME
The addition of Nathan Smith in the 58th minute on the right side of defense paid huge dividends for the LA Galaxy on Saturday night.
Replacing starter Rafael Garcia, Smith provided an immediate attacking spark, repeatedly combining with Romain Alessandrini and putting 10-man Salt Lake under pressure. With Smith given the freedom to attack, it opened up space for Alessandrini who notched his first two assists in a Galaxy shirt.
Onalfo has stressed the importance of competition for positions this season and Smith’s solid play sets up an exciting battle for the right back position over the next two weeks.
INTERNATIONAL BREAK COMES AT THE RIGHT TIME
The international break can’t come sooner for the LA Galaxy.
As has become commonplace this season, the Galaxy were shorthanded when they faced off against Salt Lake with whopping five regular starters missing. Curt Onalfo was forced to go deep into his bench with Ashley Cole (calf), Giovani dos Santos (hamstring), Jelle Van Damme (suspended), Robbie Rogers (ankle), and Gyasi Zardes (knee) all unavailable. The Galaxy boss was also without goalkeeper Brian Rowe due to a shoulder knock sustained on the final day of training before the Salt Lake trip.
With two weeks to prepare for their next match against the Vancouver Whitecaps on April 1, Onalfo’s squad will have plenty of time to heal up and get back to full strength for the first time this season.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/InsiderandLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
