CARSON, Calif. – Adam Serrano provides the “Three Things that we learned” from the LA Galaxy’s 5-2 defeat to the Portland Timbers.
LA GALAXY ENDURE THEIR WORST HALF OF THE SEASON
The LA Galaxy were the better team for the opening 45 minutes on Sunday but endured their worst half of the 2015 campaign in their 5-2 defeat to the Portland Timbers.
Throughout the second half, the Galaxy were overpowered by a physical Timbers side who weathered an early storm and then exploded for five goals. All over the pitch, the Galaxy were second best as the Timbers’ speed, physicality and finishing ability overwhelmed a Galaxy defense that had not conceded five goals since June 2013.
Prior to Sunday’s match, the Galaxy had not conceded five goals at home in a league match since their 6-3 defeat to FC Dallas way back in September 2009.
WHERE WILL THE GALAXY FINISH NOW?
If a performance like Sunday’s doesn’t prepare the LA Galaxy for the playoffs, then the Race to Seis may end a lot quicker than many predicted.
Despite their poor showing against the Timbers, the Galaxy can still clinch the second seed in the Western Conference and a bye to the Conference Semifinals with a win over Sporting Kansas City next week. Winning at Sporting Park is no easy task, however, as the Galaxy are 0-2-1 all-time at the venue.
If the Galaxy were to lose, their standings in the postseason becomes incredibly muddled as they could finish anywhere from third to sixth depending on other results. Sounds like a must-win, if I ever heard one.
LOOKING FOR A SILVER LINING? WELL, ROBBIE KEANE KEEPS ON SCORING
Robbie Keane showed why he was awarded his fourth consecutive LA Galaxy club MVP during LA’s defeat to the Portland Timbers.
The Galaxy’s Irish captain scored an absolute peach of a goal in the 36th minute when a long ball from Juninho bounced in front of him and set him up for a beautiful finish on the half-volley. With the Galaxy trailing in the second half, Keane kept LA alive late with a header on a well-placed ball by Jose Villarreal.
The 35-year-old has now scored in three consecutive matches for the Galaxy. With his brace against Portland, Keane has tied his all-time MLS career high with 19 goals this season.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
