SEATTLE—LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano’s Three Points to the Galaxy’s 2-0 loss to Seattle Sounders FC.
SEATTLE WINS BRAWL AT CENTURYLINK
Seattle Sounders FC claimed the Supporters’ Shield in what was a hard-hitting and brutal 2-0 victory at CenturyLink Field on Saturday.
From the opening whistle, referee Mark Geiger was content to allow both teams to play as the match quickly devolved into a physical contest with challenges flying in from both sides. In total, Geiger awarded six yellow cards –three to the Galaxy – while the two sides were whistled for 39 fouls. With Geiger allowing the rough stuff to go, Seattle appeared content to drop back and get under the Galaxy’s skin while hitting LA on the counter.
Sigi Schmid’s strategy bore fruit in the 85th minute when Marco Pappa scored opener with Seattle’s first shot on goal. Pappa –who would account for all of Seattle’s four shots—added a second goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
GALAXY FAIL TO FIND THE BACK OF THE NET WITH KEANE OUT
A minor nagging injury prevented Robbie Keane from suiting up for the LA Galaxy and without their captain, LA’s offense went missing.
The Galaxy dominated the stat sheet with 13 shots to Seattle’s four but found themselves unable to break through a hunkered down Seattle defense. Throughout the match, the Galaxy were the more dangerous of the two teams as Gyasi Zardes and Alan Gordon bot had shots on frame, but were unable to find the back of the net.
On the plus side, Keane is expected to be back in the Galaxy lineup when the team begins the 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs next week.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
Not only did the LA Galaxy cede the Supporters’ Shield to Seattle Sounders FC, but Seattle also secured home-field advantage throughout the 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Galaxy will end their 2014 regular season campaign second to Seattle in both the MLS overall standings and in the Western Conference table with a 17-7-10 record. By finishing second in the overall league table, the Galaxy are guaranteed hosting rights for the 2014 MLS Cup should they advance through the Western Conference.
LA will begin their postseason drive on the road next week against either FC Dallas or Real Salt Lake. The opponent will hinge on FC Dallas’ match against the Portland Timbers: should FCD win then LA will travel to Dallas, but if Dallas lose or draw, the Galaxy will take on RSL in a rematch of the 2013 Western Conference Semifinal. The Galaxy have enjoyed success against both of their potential Western Conference Semifinal opponents holding a 2-1-0 mark against FC Dallas while LA split the season series with RSL a 1-1-1 record.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
