CARSON, Calif.— The Galaxy came out a in a three-back system and nearly held the DC United attack in check as Los Angeles dropped points at home in a 2-2 draw.
Los Angeles defensively were organized and limited DC United to just three of 13 shots on target and blocked six shots. However, the defensive showing did not amount to three points as the Galaxy made two errors that resulted in DC United goals.
Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid said he was not pleased with his team’s defending in the second half.
“The first goal came from a bad clearance … and that started off the process, and then we get back-doored on a run,” Schmid said. “The second goal comes from us reacting and zoning too much, and just not getting to the ball … we need to get there before he gets the ball or as he’s getting the ball, and we wait until he gets the ball.”
One of the bright spots for the Galaxy was outside back Tomas Hilliard-Arce, who was inserted into the starting line up as one of three center backs for Los Angeles and held his own against DC United’s crafty striker Darren Mattocks.
The Galaxy kept the Jamaican international quiet for most of the night until his goal in the 84th minute. Prior to Mattocks finding the back of the net, not one of his four shots were on target and two were blocked.
Another impressive showing defensively for Schmid’s side was holding midfield pairing of captain Ashley Cole and Perry Kitchen who were excellent in breaking down every DC united Attack. The two combined for five tackles and four interceptions.
Cole, who normally plays left back, is not unfamiliar with the holding midfield role and was exceptional as he finished the game with two interceptions and three recoveries.
“I think he (Cole) does really well there. He really wants the ball and you can tell he really wants the ball,” Galaxy left back Dave Romney said. “He’s calm under pressure. He’s really good in there. He played a couple games there last year and he did pretty well.”
