CARSON, Calif. – ‘’Unlucky’’ was the operative word for the struggling LA Galaxy after Saturday’s disappointing 1-1 tie with visiting Real Salt Lake in front of a crowd of 20,324 at StubHub Center.
Not only were the Galaxy unlucky in not coming away with a win in a game they dominated almost from the start, but the same could be said about goalkeeper Clement Diop, who was in top form.
It has been a bumpy road for the 23-year-old native of Paris, France, who was the top goalkeeper for the Galaxy’s reserve team, Galaxy II, for much of 2016 before earning a call-up this season. He has played in and started 13 games for the parent club, and Saturday he arguably was at his best.
Diop was credited with five saves – once robbing Real Salt Lake’s Luis Silva in the 63rd minute from no more than 10 yards and another alert stop on a close-in re-direct by Brooks Lennon 22 minutes later – and almost won it with a save on Joao Plata’s free kick from just outside the penalty area deep into stoppage time.
That Real Salt Lake even got the scoring opportunity after a foul was called on Romain Alessandrini did not sit well with Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid.
“I thought it was a horrendous call,” Schmid said.
Diop dove to his right to make the save on Plata’s attempt, but the rebound went right to David Horst, who then found a wide-open Kyle Beckerman for the stunning, tying goal.
“The ball bounced in front of me and I saved it the way I can,” Diop said of the fateful play. “I saw the rebound and I touched it … I think it was unlucky and I don’t think they deserved the point tonight.”
Diop gave credit to Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando, who was brilliant in totaling six saves and almost single-handedly prevented the game from turning into a Galaxy runaway. Real Salt Lake played much of the game short-handed after Marcelo Silva was red-carded in the 18th minute after a video review prompted game referee Rubiel Vazquez to rescind a yellow card in favor of a red.
“You have to give credit to Rimando,” Diop said. “He had a good game as well.
“Everyone tried to do their best.”
Unfortunately it wasn’t enough for the Galaxy, who dropped to 7-17-8 and are 1-12-4 in their last 17 matches. They also fell to 2-9-5 at home this season.
Diop, whose record now stands at 3-7-3 with a goals-against average of just over two, said the Galaxy did more than enough for a much-needed victory. But there is no use dwelling on the result, he pointed out.
“We need to move on and focus on the next game,” he said, “and hopefully get the three points.”
Diop added he was intent on doing everything he can to help make sure that happens.
“Now I need to play and give my best for the team, do all I can,” he said. “If I can, my performances will come with my attitude on and off the field.
“I need to be sharp and focused.”
