Photo courtesy of the LA Galaxy.
Javier Chicharito Hernandez certainly let Real Salt Lake fans know he is one of the top strikers in MLS this season.
The LA Galaxy can’t seem to catch a break these days.
Having erased a one-goal deficit in the second half, it seemed the Galaxy were headed for a draw on the road against Real Salt Lake, and while the result would not have ended its winless streak, a point would enable the Galaxy to strengthen its position in the Western Conference playoff race.
However, deep into stoppage time, Salt Lake got one chance, and it was Anderson Julio that made the most of it for RSL. Julio scored in the 95th minute turned a possible draw into an all-important 2-1 win for the home side RSL at Rio Tinto Stadium.
“I was extremely proud of the fight, the work, the performance, the play of everything about it, except for we conceded two goals and two very bad moments within the game,” LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if this was a big lesson, a turning point for this group, because I feel a different energy in the locker room right now than I’ve ever felt this entire season. I hope it is because this group laid out an incredible effort today.”
The last-minute loss was deflating for the Galaxy (11-5-11, 38 points), as Real Salt Lake overtook the Galaxy for fifth place in the Western Conference by one point. In addition to that, the Galaxy lead seventh place Minnesota United by just one point, eighth-place Vancouver Whitecaps by three points, and the Galaxy’s two in-state rivals, LAFC and the San Jose Earthquakes are not far behind, as both teams are the equivalent of two games back of the Galaxy with a month to go in the regular season.
“The one thing that we are learning as a group is still how to win that big game and how to put together all the pieces, including the goals, and not giving up the goals to win that big game, Vanney said. “I think all of the parts were there, except for we’ve got to finish a couple more chances.
Julio’s winner came with stoppage time winding down. Damir Kreilach sent a long ball forward, Julio let the ball bounce on the pitch, then he flicked a ball in the air, which allowed him to slip between two Galaxy defenders, Julio then fired a left-footed volley just outside the penalty area and the ball bounced past keeper Jonathan Bond far post to vault RSL back in front for good.
RSL took the lead into halftime, on a goal close to stoppage time. Albert Rusnak crossed a ball into the penalty area and Kreilach headed a ball right at goal, Bond made the initial save, but eventually spilled the ball back into play, Kreilach charged in for a rebound chance, but Bond finally managed to clear the ball. However, Kreilach and Rubio Rubin claimed the ball crossed the goal line, and referee Tori Penso agreed, and awarded RSL the goal, which replay later confirmed, as the entire ball bounced across the goal line prior to Bond getting his left hand on the clearance attempt.
The Galaxy eventually stormed back for an equalizer inthe 76th minute, and it came from a familiar source. Jonathan Dos Santos played a ball to Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, inside the penalty area, Chicharito played a short pass to Efrain Alvarez, who held the ball before passing back to Chicharito, who positioned himself and overcame Toni Datkovic’s defense and fired a shot that snuck past keeper David Ochoa near post for his 12th goal of the season to tie the game.
“I think our momentum is coming,” said Chicharito. “I think we are creating the fundamentals. We’re creating the base, so we can start building up so when we qualify for playoffs, because we still believe we can qualify for the playoffs and there’s still seven games. So then we’re going to be more solid in every aspect of the game.”
The Galaxy will try again to end its winless streak, and there won’t be any shortage of motivation for the Galaxy in its next match, as they welcome LAFC to Dignity Health Sports Park for the final round of the 2021 El Trafico. The match is a capper of a weekend of celebration for the Galaxy, as they will honor Landon Donovan by unveiling a statue of the Galaxy and USMNT legend outside Dignity Health Sports Park and induct him into the Galaxy’s ring of honor.
