CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his Three Things We Learned from the Galaxy’s 0-0 draw with Seattle Sounders FC.
LA GALAXY LOOK REJUVENATED IN SEATTLE DRAW
New LA Galaxy boss Sigi Schmid saw a renewed sense of energy from his squad in his first game at the helm.
The Galaxy registered their fourth shutout of the season on Saturday as they shut down a surging Seattle Sounders FC team with a disciplined defensive performance. Offensively, Schmid’s squad was aggressive from the get-go as the attacking quadrant of Gyasi Zardes, Giovani dos Santos, Romain Alessandrini, and Ema Boateng forced the Sounders to make clutch defensive plays.
The scoreless draw with Seattle is an essential building block for Schmid’s squad, and the new Galaxy head coach will now have a week to prepare for their next challenge, a road trip to face the Portland Timbers next weekend.
PELE VAN ANHOLT SOLID IN LA GALAXY DEBUT
Pele Van Anholt shined in his first start for the LA Galaxy on Sunday.
Van Anholt was a rock along the right side against the Sounders during his 71-minute shift helping the Galaxy shut down Seattle’s superstar midfielder Nico Lodeiro. In all facets, the Dutch defender put in a clean performance as he completed nearly 85 percent of his passes, while also making several timely tackles including a solid stop of Clint Dempsey in the 57th minute of play.
The right back position has been a revolving door for the Galaxy this season, and Van Anholt’s performance could signal stability for the Galaxy.
GYASI ZARDES RETURNS FROM INTERNATIONAL DUTY
Gyasi Zardes endured an up-and-down showing in his first match back from international duty on Saturday.
Zardes went the distance against the Sounders, starting the match as a target striker and then alternating to the outside midfield position late in the game. The Hawthorne product was active throughout the game, appearing more aggressive and registering four shots – two of which forced Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei to make clutch saves.
Following the match, Zardes revealed that he feels much improved since departing to join the national team for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. With the Galaxy desperately needing a target man, Schmid will need Zardes at his best for the stretch run.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
