CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his Three Things We Learned from the LA Galaxy’s 3-0 defeat to Seattle Sounders FC.
NIGHTMARE FIRST HALF DOOMS LA
The LA Galaxy’s suffered their worst loss of the season after a nightmare first half cost Curt Onalfo’s squad dearly.
Seattle took the lead and never relented as they left LA reeling after scoring three times in the first 44 minutes. For much of the first half, the Galaxy were pinned in their own defensive third with Seattle holding a nearly 80 percent of possession during the 15-minute spell when the Sounders needed to score their three goals. Not only did the Sounders control the ball, but their passing was crisp as Brian Schmetzer’s group completed nearly 90 percent of their passes in the opening 45 minutes compared to the Galaxy’s 79 percent. Following the match, defender Daniel Steres labeled the team’s first half performance “unacceptable” while Onalfo described the opening 45 minutes as “dismal.”
The Galaxy improved in the second half but were unable to find the back of the net despite creating multiple clear chances. As was the theme all afternoon, the Galaxy’s offense was simply not sharp enough to break down a resolute Sounders backline.
TIME FOR THE GALAXY TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR
It’s reflection time for the LA Galaxy after the team suffered their worst defeat of 2017 campaign.
The Galaxy looked second best throughout their match with the defending MLS Cup champions as Seattle outplayed LA all over the field. On the offensive end, the Galaxy lacked sharpness and failed to adequately test Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei who made just two saves and faced only three shots on target throughout the contest.
Following the match, the Galaxy pointed the blame squarely at themselves with Jelle van Damme stating that the team failed to execute against a Sounders team that seemed to outcompete the home side. For a team that has stressed the importance of communication to start the season, it’ll be important to vital for the group to respond next week.
POOR HOME FORM CONTINUES TO PLAGUE GALAXY
The LA Galaxy’s home struggles continued Sunday as they dropped their third loss of the season at StubHub Center.
In 2017, Los Angeles have not gotten the job done at home with a 1-3-0 record in their first four games, while also being outscored six to three. The Galaxy’s loss total equals their combined loss mark from the 2015 and 2016 campaign combined.
If the Galaxy are going to right the ship, they’ll need to turn around their home form. LA have a perfect opportunity to kick start their turnaround next week when they host the reeling Philadelphia Union.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
