CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his Three Things We Learned from the Galaxy’s 2-0 defeat to New York City FC presented by SNHU.
GALAXY FALTER AT HOME YET AGAIN
The LA Galaxy had one of their finest home performances of 2017 in Saturday night’s 2-0 loss to NYCFC, but it wasn’t enough as the Galaxy fell at StubHub Center yet again.
The Galaxy dominated the match on the scoresheet leading in possession (53.8 to 46.2), total passes (450 to 409), and corners (14 to 4) while also registering an astounding 21 shots to New York City’s 10. The Galaxy had arguably their best half of the season in the first 45 against NYCFC, showing flashes of previous Galaxy teams that dominated at StubHub Center.
Ultimately, however, the Galaxy’s dominance amounted to nothing as sublime finishes from Jonathan Lewis and David Villa and a brilliant five-save outing from New York goalkeeper Sean Johnson gave the visitors the win.
JONATHAN DOS SANTOS SHINES IN FIRST START
Jonathan dos Santos proved that he’s going to be a handful for opposing MLS teams with a solid showing in his first start for the LA Galaxy.
The 27-year-old proved to a two-way threat during his 90-minute shift as his tireless work rate helped the Galaxy control the midfield in one of the team’s best performances of the year at home. On the attacking end, dos Santos frequently found space to test New York’s backline with his dangerous attacking runs.
Despite tiring late into the match, Dos Santos’ performance provided a needed highlight for head coach Sigi Schmid who is hopeful that the Mexican international can aid his team in the season’s final months.
IS THERE HOPE OF A PLAYOFF RUN?
The LA Galaxy missed a key opportunity to move up the Western Conference standings with their defeat to New York City FC.
Losses by Portland, San Jose, and Vancouver opened the door for Los Angeles to make gup round in a fiercely competitive Western Conference, but Saturday’s defeat meant the Galaxy remained in ninth place in the West table.
The Galaxy will now have 11 days to prepare for their decisive road match against the Columbus Crew SC. With their postseason aspirations on life support, Sigi Schmid’s team will need three points from their trip to Central Ohio.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
