By Michelle Huitink // @mchuitink
Most fans would like to forget the 2-1 loss to the Colorado Rapids on August 4, 2018 that ended their nine-game unbeaten streak. It’s been very clear the problem is the LA Galaxy’s defense, but the reason or explanation for it isn’t.
The poor decisions the players are making on the pitch can’t all be linked to coach Sigi Schmid. It seems psychological at this point. They can’t seem to keep a lead.
Romain Alessandrini scored the only LA goal against the Rapids and it was a ripper. He’s been the best thing about the Galaxy. Ola Kamara has been scoring goals. David Bingham can only make so many saves when there’s virtually no back line to help him defend.
The MLS window for transfers closed without news from the Galaxy. They acquired $175,000 from the Portland Timbers in exchange for first spot allocation. It appears the LAG front office were unable to make any others moves, which means they have to work with the defense they have in an attempt to make the playoffs. It also seems they are just going to push through this season and start looking to 2019 for improvement.
The Galaxy looked to rebound Saturday, August 11th against Minnesota United. They’ve been unable to defeat teams at the bottom of the table. The Loons were in 9th place of the Western Conference.
Alessandrini scored an early goal, which now makes fans nervous. They maintained the lead till the 64th minute when it was equalized by Michael Boxall. Sebastian Lletget got the G’s back up fifteen minutes later, only for Romario Ibarra to score in the 84th minute. The Galaxy definitely put in effort against a 10-man Minnesota team in remaining stoppage minutes, but it was not enough. The game ended in a 2-2 draw at StubHub Center, which feels like a loss to fans.
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Alessandrini Goal in the 7th minute against Minnesota United August 11th. Credit: Michelle Huitink
On August 14th, the Galaxy faced the Colorado Rapids again. Alessandrini had to miss due to an injury. He’s expected to miss 1-2 weeks. LA’s last designated player, Jona Dos Santos had to be subbed out due to a groin strain. Michael Ciani and Giovani Dos Santos are out for the next match. In good news, Ashley Cole scored a much-needed goal and Lletget scored his second in two matches showing he’s getting back in his fitness level.
The Galaxy face a surging Seattle Sounders team on Saturday, August 18th at CenturyLink. The Starting XI should still have key players such as Chris Pontius, Emmanuel Boateng, Cole, Lletget, and Kamara, but that leaves no sparks off the bench.
As the Western Conference stands, the 8th place Sounders still have a chance to make the playoffs, but one team has to be knocked out: either Real Salt Lake, LAFC, or the LA Galaxy. Let’s hope they can start winning again and climb out of 4th place.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is only two goals away from 500 in his career, but will most likely not play on artificial turf unless it’s a playoff game.
We’ll just have to keep watching and see what the Galaxy can do.
Featured image: Friends and fans (left to right) – Celia Brown, Leslie, Michelle, and Jamie (August 14th). Photo Credit: Jamie Bacon
Follow and chat with me on Twitter // @mchuitink
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