Javier Morales scores the only RSL goal in the last five (not counting own goals) / John Hefti (Prost Amerika)
LA Galaxy head coach was not a happy man after his side’s 1-1 draw with Colorado.
“The game was lousy, and everything about it was lousy” he said to reporters after the match. Once more a late Alan Gordon goal saved him a draw against a side with just one win so far this season.
Galaxy’s record is two wins and two losses in eight since that ordinary opening day win over a Chicago side still learning each others’ names. Surrendering Marcelo Sarvas before Steve Gerrard was ready to arrive is being cited as the most obvious reason for the mundanity although Robbie Keane’s absence has also to be considered. The Irishman has played four and missed five of the Galaxy’s season.
Arena could take the realistic line that says only the play-offs matter, especially as six teams from each conference qualify for the post-season. Perhaps he is only making the most of the ludicrous generosity of the 2015 rules which allow the better sides to tread water.
In that respect he is not under the greatest of pressure. His 20,000 regular attendees at the StubHub know the form and any notion of a rebellion against regular season mediocrity is preposterous. When you’ve won three of the last four MLS Cups, people trust your judgement.
Bruce Arena knows how to pace a title challenge
On Wednesday, he faces the only side to have eliminated Galaxy in that run, Real Salt Lake. Head coach Jeff Cassar does not have the benefit of silverware during his reign.
His overall season record matches that of the Galaxy’s post-Chicago; two wins and two losses with four draws. Just seven goals in those eight matches is a bit worrying especially when you consider San Jose scored the last one for them.
Their only other goal in the last five matches came at San Joe when Javier Morales instinctively struck at a ball that had rebounded off the wall. Since then, they have played 405 minutes of football with only an own goal to show for it.
Only Morales has scored more than once. Forward Olmes Garcia has played more minutes (679) than any other striker without a single goal to show for it. Joao Plata’s fractured fifth metatarsal cannot heal quickly enough. Alvaro Saborio’s one goal in 576 minutes must also register as disappointing.
Morales seems likely to miss the match due to his concussion. He left at half time in the last match having missed two matches because of it.
“It’s not looking good,” said Cassar. From a Galaxy viewpoint, that probably balances out Keane’s continued absence.
LA Galaxy
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