New York City Take Down Galaxy 2-0
- Updated: August 12, 2017
The Los Angeles Galaxy fell to New York City FC 2-0 at StubHub Center on Saturday night.
NYCFC opened the scoring in the second half when Jonathan Lewis curled a shot from 20 yards out over Brian Rowe, nailing the underneath of the crossbar and crossing the goal line. David Villa doubled the lead in the 73rd minute to seal the 2-0 win for the visitors.
The Galaxy lined up without Jelle van Damme, who is suspended, and Giovani dos Santos, who was ruled out with a hamstring injury. However, Gio’s brother and LA’s newest designated player signing Jonathan dos Santos got his first start for his new club.
Galaxy XI: Brian Rowe; Pele van Anholt, Daniel Steres, Dave Romney, Ashley Cole (captain); Jermaine Jones, João Pedro; Romain Alessandrini, Jonathan dos Santos, Emmanuel Boateng; Gyasi Zardes
5 Things We Learned:
Romain Alessandrini is vital to the attack
It’s not new revelation but after tonight, it’s been emphasized. His speed caused problems for NYCFC’s defense on multiple occasions. Alessandrini had the first chance to get anyone excited. After getting past two defenders, a cross from the byline took a slight deflection and Sean Johnson was forced to tip the ball over his bar, conceding a corner. Late in the first half, Alessandrini was dragged down on the edge of the area on the right flank. His free kick was stopped en route to goal but the rebound shot by Van Anholt was well-saved by Johnson, who forced another corner.
Gyasi Zardes just missing that finishing touch
Zardes does a great job getting into the right place for crosses but has struggled recently to direct the ball on frame. He had several chances in the box but could not get his headers on frame, or get his foot properly wrapped around the all to push it beyond Johnson. It may just be that he’s still in the process of coming back from an injury, but he has had a lot of minutes since returning and LA need him to step it up in order to make surge for the playoffs.
Jonathan dos Santos’ lackluster debut
With all the hype behind the signing of the second Dos Santos brother, Jonathan dos Santos failed to make much of a difference in a Galaxy midfield that has underwhelmed for some of the season. Jonathan did not play poorly, but his role seems to be somewhere he might not have the full freedom. Head coach Sigi Schmid is certainly capable of sorting this out, and surely the LA Galaxy front office believes that too.
Defense has to get used to life without Van Damme
As rumors swirl around the future of LA Galaxy captain Jelle van Damme, it is unknown whether or not he will stay in MLS or head back to Belgium to be with his family. Regardless, he was suspended for the match against NYCFC, so the Galaxy was already trying to figure out what it needed to do. With new signing Pele van Anholt at right back, the Galaxy had a solid attacking option on the flank. Daniel Steres and Dave Romney held the fort down well and the Galaxy should survive without the tall Belgian center back.
Playoff picture looking bleak
With not much time left in the season ahead of the MLS Cup playoffs, the Galaxy’s hopes of making a run for a sixth MLS Cup are looking bleaker each game. After another loss, the points are not in their favor heading down the final stretch of the season. Sitting nine points from a playoff spot, LA still has a chance to get in, but it would require a superb run of form in the remaining games. Surely, with the new appointment of Sigi Schmid, focus will soon turn to the next season.
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!
Related Posts
About Shawn Medow
