CARSON, Calif. – StubHub Center is a fortress for the LA Galaxy, who are unbeaten in their last 21 matches at home, but away from the friendly confines of Carson, Bruce Arena’s squad is surprisingly searching for their first win in more than seven months.
The Galaxy are winless in their last eight matches away from StubHub Center compiling a 0-4-4 record in MLS regular season and postseason play.
LA’s last road win came against the now-defunct Chivas USA on August 31, 2014, but their last victory away from StubHub Center came 11 days earlier in their season-reviving 4-3 victory over the Colorado Rapids on August 20 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
When the Galaxy lineup against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place on Saturday, it’ll be a whopping 227 days—or seven months and 15 days, if you prefer— since LA’s last victory away from Carson.
Does that mean anything to the Galaxy? Well, not really.
“We just have to go out and play and go out and score more goals,” Arena said. “We just need to get out and play and have better concentration at the end of games when we can get points. Generally in professional sports the home team wins most of their games at home though. They have an advantage.
“[When you’re] playing on the road in the sport of soccer, if you get a point that’s valuable and if you get three points, that’s a terrific result.”
LA captain Robbie Keane echoed his head coach’s sentiments.
“I didn’t even know that. It’s always tough to play away from home but it’s something that we certainly have to improve on,” said Keane. “Regardless of whether we’re playing home or away, people want to beat us. We have to expect that and we prefer that. … It means that we’ve done something right.”
The victories haven’t been there for the Galaxy away from home, but LA hasn’t played poorly as they’ve had a number of strong performances including last week’s late 1-0 defeat to D.C. United at RFK Stadium.
Why do some games seem to always go against the team on the road? Arena has an interesting explanation.
“A lot of stuff happens,” Arena said with a shrug. “We won in Colorado down 3-1 at half. I’m not sure there is an explanation on why we won that game as opposed to others.”
Winning on the road is always going to be difficult for any team let alone one of the Galaxy’s high profile. For Robbie Rogers, who once circled Galaxy games on his calendar when he played for the Columbus Crew, it’s about matching their intensity.
“I remember being with Columbus and when the Galaxy came to face us, regardless of if they were in playoff contention or they were the worst team in the league, it was always a huge game,” Rogers said. “When people come here [StubHub Center] it’ll be difficult. We’re going to have a tough season this year. That’s why you have depth. [Road results] are a sign of a team that can keep the intensity high.
“It’s always more difficult to win on the road. If we’re going to win the Supporters’ Shield, we have to do better [away from home] this year.”
Although Arena was dismissive of any talk of his side being in a road slump, he admits that LA have the tools to improve upon their 5-7-7 road record in all MLS competitions a year ago.”
“We’re certainly capable of winning more games on the road than we did last year,” Arena said. “And getting more points on the road.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
