VANCOUVER, B.C. – It wasn't pretty, but they'll take it.
The depleted LA Galaxy went to Vancouver and picked up a well-earned point thanks to an organized defensive performance by Sigi Schmid’s squad.
The Galaxy played Vancouver Whitecaps FC to a scoreless draw on Saturday evening at BC Place thanks to a stout defensive showing from the visitors. Despite missing several key players on both sides of the ball, the Galaxy were organized and held Vancouver at bay to pick up their first draw of the 2018 season.
To fill in the gaps, Schmid opted for a 3-5-2 formation, forcing the Whitecaps to break down a Galaxy defense that dropped numbers behind the ball.
The home side took full advantage of the Galaxy’s posture as they dominated possession and time on the ball. Vancouver was unable to turn this advantage into goals, however, as they registered 11 shots and just two on target.
For vast stretches of the match, the Galaxy defense bent, but never broke as they kept Vancouver attackers from testing goalkeeper, David Bingham. No stat articulated the Galaxy’s defensive play more than their clearances as Los Angeles registered a whopping 50 on the evening, to just 16 by the Whitecaps.
When Vancouver found their way behind the Galaxy defense, Bingham was there to bail them out. The goalkeeper made just two saves, but Bingham commanded his penalty area and repeatedly left his line to thwart the ‘Caps by cutting off crosses.
Given the Galaxy’s absences across the field, Saturday’s draw will be a confidence booster for Los Angeles as they look ahead to next week’s clash with LAFC.
