Recap of May 2, 2015 Match: LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids

(Photo via Twitter User @LAGalaxy)

On May 2, 2015, the LA Galaxy played the Colorado Rapids in their first match against each other of the season. Neither team played to the best of their abilities, but they ended the game in a tie.

Starting Lineups and Substitutions

Bruce Arena surprised fans with a bit of a lineup change for the game. Instead of starting Stefan Ishizaki and Juninho, Arena put in Ignacio Maganto and Rafael Garcia. This game would be Maganto’s first MLS start since the LA Galaxy signed him on March 13, 2015. Fans also saw Leonardo return to the lineup after he missed four games because of a quadriceps injury. Unfortunately, both Robbie Keane (groin strain) and Jose Villareal (hamstring injury) remain on the injured list along with Todd Dunivant (bruised knee) and Edson Buddle (calf injury) who have joined them.

For the most part, the game seemed fairly uneventful with neither team gaining the lead. Yet, the LA Galaxy kept possession of the ball for the majority of the game. In the 10^th minute, Baggio Husidic made the team’s first attempt on goal—and nearly scored. Omar Gonzalez chipped the ball over the Rapid’s defense and Husidic neatly brought the ball down, but he shot it right barely over the crossbar. Only a short period later, Gyasi Zardes missed a shot as well when Clint Irwin tapped Zardes’ near-post shot away.

With little possession, the Colorado Rapids used its few chances appropriately. Minutes before halftime, forward Gabriel Torres saw his opportunity! Gonzalez attempted a pass to Husidic, but Michael Harrington intercepted and sent the ball to Torres who caught up with it just before the top of the box and knocked it neatly past Galaxy keeper Jaime Penedo. As a Galaxy fan, it pains me to write this part—Torres gave the Rapids a 1-0 lead.

Not long into the second half, Arena made his substitutions—Juninho in for Mika Vayrynen (58^th), Stefan Ishizaki in for Rafael Garcia (69^th), and Alan Gordon in for Maganto (72^nd). Whenever I see Gordon come off the bench, my heart always begins to race because I can usually count on him to put one in the net. And he did not disappoint against the Rapids! In the 74^th minute, Ishizaki crossed the ball into the box during a corner kick and Gordon headed it past Irwin to equalize the game!

Yet, his goal almost meant nothing. The Rapids received a free kick. Dillon Powers crossed the ball into the box and Lucas Pittinari headed the ball right into the crossbar. Johnny-on-the-spot Steve Cronin then shot it past Penedo. My heart sank momentarily until just seconds later the referee called Pittinari offside.

The LA Galaxy left the StubHub Center that evening with one point as a result of only a few yards on behalf of two players—Alan Gordon in the 74^th minute and Lucas Pittinari in the 83^rd.

For his first start, Maganto played fairly well, but the rest of the LA Galaxy needed to perform better. As much as they dominated the game, they barely cracked the Rapids defense and, as Bruce Arena stated, “It was a lousy game.”

Now, in Week 10, they face two teams—Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas. We might see the return of Robbie Keane and Jose Villareal, but it’s unlikely. How will the Galaxy set their lineup in order to keep fresh legs for both teams? Who knows; we’ll just have to see.

Read more about Bruce Arena’s reaction to the game here: “LA Galaxy disappointed with performance in 1-1 draw with Colorado Rapids,” by Adam Serrano.

Stay with us at Calisportsnews.com as we will keep you up-to-date on all things LA Galaxy and the rest of the LA sports teams! All Cali, all the time!

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