CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano’s Three Points from the club’s 1-1 draw with Colorado Rapids.
ALAN GORDON KEEPS THE LA GALAXY’S HOME UNBEATEN STREAK ALIVE
Alan Gordon came to the rescue with his late second half goal to preserve a 1-1 draw for the LA Galaxy against the Colorado Rapids, and extend the team’s unbeaten streak at home to 27 matches.
For much of the match, the Galaxy attack was listless against an organized Rapids squad that was content to sit back. The reigning MLS Cup champions found their spark when Gordon entered the match for Ignacio Maganto in the 72nd minute. The 33-year-old needed just three minutes to find the back of the net as he nodded home a Stefan Ishizaki corner to give LA the point they needed to extend their unbeaten run at home.
With his tally against Colorado, Gordon now leads the Galaxy in goals with three. How many projected that at the beginning of the season?
JUNINHO AIDS GALAXY RECOVERY
Alan Gordon notched the goal but the LA Galaxy’s second half turnaround truly began when LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena brought in midfield general Juninho in the 58th minute of play.
During the first half, the Galaxy looked overwhelmed by a Colorado side that pressed them relentlessly. Colorado’s pressure proved particularly costly in the 40th minute as the Rapids capitalized on a Galaxy turnover when Gabriel Torres scored the lone goal of the evening for the visitors. Once Juninho entered the match in his familiar holding role, the Galaxy’s midfield finally found their footing and were able to notch the equalizer when Gordon scored in the 72nd minute.
Although Arena opted to rest Juninho ahead of the team’s upcoming three-game road swing, don’t expect the Galaxy boss to leave the Brazilian on the bench again anytime soon.
“NACHO” MAKES FIRST CAREER MLS START
LA Galaxy fans received their first extended look at 2015 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick Ignacio “Nacho” Maganto as the Spanish midfielder made his first career MLS start in Saturday’s 1-1 draw.
The 23-year-old Spanish winger was tasked with providing a spark along the left side of midfield but struggled to make an impact. Not a pure wide player, Maganto was active throughout as his movement and ball skills helped to provide some life in an otherwise lethargic Galaxy attack.
Although the Spaniard was unable to generate anything tangible in his first start, his confidence on the ball and his willingness to press toward goal should provide Galaxy boss Bruce Arena with some reason to keep him in the fold going forward.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
