CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his Three Things We Learned from the Galaxy’s 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes.
CONCENTRATION LAPSES DOOM GALAXY AGAIN
Once again a brief lapse in concentration cost the Galaxy points as LA surrendered a late lead to draw 1-1 with the Earthquakes in the second California Clásico of the season.
For 87 minutes, the Galaxy bent but did not break against an Earthquakes side that had numerous opportunities to go ahead, particularly, in the opening 45 minutes. Unfortunately for the Galaxy defense, the team once again slipped up late as Fatai Atlashe headed home a Chad Barrett cross to cost the Galaxy two points at home.
The Galaxy will look to right the ship on Saturday when they travel to the Great White North to take on the Montreal Impact.
OFFENSE LACKS SPARK IN DRAW
The Galaxy offense entered Sunday’s game in blistering form, but Los Angeles’ attack looked lethargic by their own admission against the Earthquakes.
Bruce Arena’s men started the match slowly as San Jose controlled the play while the home side lacked sharpness in the final third. In the first half, the Earthquakes defense prevented the Galaxy from getting a single shot on target.
LA’s attack did not pick up until the final 30 minutes when the Galaxy rattled off several chances that forced San Jose goalkeeper David Bingham into action.
Los Angeles finally found their goal in the 83rd minute when a cross by second-half substitute Sebastian Lletget was redirected into the goal by Earthquakes defender Marvell Wynne. As poor as the Galaxy’s offensive performance was, LA were just four minutes from earning all three points until Fatai Alashe gave San Jose the equalizer.
NIGEL DE JONG LOOKS SHARP IN RETURN
A huge reason that the LA Galaxy were just four minutes away from a shutout was due to the stellar play of Nigel de Jong.
De Jong went 87 minutes in the 1-1 draw in his first action since early April. After missing the Galaxy’s match in Philadelphia due to a knee injury, De Jong appeared sharp both on and off the ball with his ability to break up the San Jose attack for much of his shift on Sunday.
With the Galaxy poised to lose the likes of Robbie Keane, Gyasi Zardes and Baggio Husidic due to international duty, the return of De Jong is a major plus for LA heading into the busy summer months.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
