CARSON, CA – What turned into a lovely day here in Carson, Ca after seeing some early day rain, the Galaxy faced off against the Colorado Rapids. With the absence of LA Galaxy Captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic, it would seem the Galaxy were in for a challenge. The LA Galaxy just fell short of the mark the evening of May 19th with their second home defeat of 1-0 at the Dignity Health Sports Park.
The LA Galaxy started this match off with possession and .they had a fire in their eyes with their first shot on target within the first 2’. With the strength and power of Tim Howard at goal for the Rapids, it escalated the level of difficulty. Both sides seemed to be going for blood, with 3 yellow cards given in the first half. One had to be reviewed by the referee against Diego Polenta, It was reviewed for a possible red card when he stepped on Declan Wynne’s ankle.
At the 15’ is when the Rapids were awarded a free kick right outside the 18-yard box. Seeming to be their first true opportunity of the game, the shot was wasted as it soared over the crossbar not even fazing David Bingham and his back 4. The LA Galaxy’s backline was a wall in the first half that refused to allow the Rapids any opportunity. The Rapids had zero shots on target but were allowed 4 shots. As for the LA Galaxy, they had a total of 6 shots off with 4 being on target.
LA had opportunities all across the board with one nearly making it in at the 21’, barely being saved by a bicycle kick save keeping the game at 0-0. After that both teams came on strong with their defense. A lot of stops came at the top of the box. Both the teams continued to try and take the ball outside and feed in a cross but neither keeper was having it. Hence the reason for it being scoreless as the teams went into the locker-room at the half.
The second half we saw both teams trying to make up for their mistakes, starting to do shorter passes and trying to attack through the center of the field. This resulted in so many opportunities especially for Favio Alvarez of the Galaxy. He continued to put all his efforts and will power into driving that ball through the solid hands of Tim Howard. Both keepers were having amazing nights making diving saves, having shots barely go over or to the side but the real challenge was with the keepers.
It wasn’t until the 81’ that the Galaxy was faced with a three on two attack that the Rapids could sneak anything by David Bingham. Bingham saved the first one but just couldn’t get to his feet fast enough before a beautiful volley from Andre Shinyashiki hit the back of the net. From that point forward the LA Galaxy tried to capitalize on every opportunity but fell short of the mark. They continued to go up the sides and make those crosses but with Howard in the back, he was not allowing any of them to connect.
Overall the Galaxy performed amazingly with having possession 67 percent of the match with a total of 18 shots all together. They performed admirably but just couldn’t finish the way they wanted to.
With this second defeat at home this season it is hoped to not become a trend. The LA Galaxy has to go one more match without Zlatan, so they need to make some adjustments before going to Orlando next week, They will need to find their groove and being able to utilize all the talent on the field and not just their Captain.
Written by Matt Whyte
Image Credit: Luis Rodriguez
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