CARSON, Calif. – Is the LA Galaxy’s clash with the Philadelphia Union a “must-win” matchup? That depends on who you ask, but regardless of what you believe, the importance cannot be understated.
The Galaxy are 2-5-0 this season and are coming on the heels of a 3-0 defeat to Seattle Sounders FC last week. After the loss to Seattle, the Galaxy readily admitted that they were frustrated by their performance and center back Daniel Steres labeled Saturday’s clash a “must-win” for the squad.
“It’s not about starting a run for us. It’s about getting things right and getting points. It’s not the end of the season where you must win to get over the line to get in the playoffs,” Steres said. “We have to start getting points; we have to start getting shutouts. We have to start collecting points so we can move up. This league is cyclical. We’re just worried about the next game, and that’s why it’s a must-win. It’s at home, and we have to get three points.”
Galaxy boss Curt Onalfo is not underscoring the game’s importance as Los Angeles host a Union (0-4-3) squad still searching for their first victory of the 2017 campaign. As vital as the match will be for Onalfo’s squad, the Galaxy head coach says his team must remain even-keeled as they look to turn their luck around.
“People like to be negative, and they probably have a right to be. We’re just as frustrated as those people are, but it’s a matter of when you go through adversity, and difficult times, you find out what you’re all about,” Onalfo said. “That’s when people step up, and true character rises. I believe in the group and the vision of what we’re doing. We didn’t draw it up this way at all, but we stay strong and stay confident. We’re looking forward, and we’re going to get a result on Saturday.”
