SAN JOSE, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his Three Things We Learned from the LA Galaxy’s 3-2 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup.
LA GALAXY DEFENSE CAN’T HOLD AS OPEN CUP RUN ENDS
The LA Galaxy saw their dream of a U.S. Open Cup title go up in smoke on Monday night.
Los Angeles started the match strong, but were soon overtaken by an Earthquakes squad that bossed the park for wide stretches of the contest. San Jose overran the Galaxy’s backline, peppering the net and winning the shot battle by a whopping 20 to eight.
The Galaxy have one win in their last five matches across all competitions and have conceded 13 times in that span.
GIOVANI DOS SANTOS GETS AN ASSIST IN RETURN
Giovani dos Santos experienced an up-and-down night in his first appearance back with the LA Galaxy after international duty.
Dos Santos assisted on Los Angeles’ first goal of the evening and enjoyed a few bright moments, but saw his play taper off as San Jose found their way into the game. After dos Santos’ fast start, the Earthquakes found success by throwing numbers at the Mexican international and forcing him to drift deep into the midfield to find time on the ball.
If there is any silver lining from the match for Curt Onalfo, it’ll be that dos Santos’ timing and form should improve ahead of next week’s home fixture with Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
BRIAN ROWE “RUSTY” IN FIRST ACTION SINCE MAY
Brian Rowe admitted that he was “rusty” in his return to the goal for the first time since late May.
Rowe conceded three times in his first action since suffering a groin injury following the Galaxy’s last trip to Avaya Stadium nearly two months ago. In his return, Rowe’s timing appeared to be a step behind as he found himself unable to keep the Earthquakes off the board.
Now back in action, Rowe will once again compete with Clement Diop and Jon Kempin for the Galaxy’s goalkeeping position.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.