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Galaxy Defense Stumbles Against Whitecaps

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Many times, the first goal given up in a game can be reminiscent of what’s to follow. Sadly for Los Angeles Galaxy that was the case in their Saturday night matchup with Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

After a good start for both teams and a stellar save from Clement Diop in the 7th minute for Los Angeles, things took a dramatic downturn for the Galaxy in the 19th minute. Diop, known for his aggressiveness outside the penalty box went after a ball he shouldn’t have and Cristian Techera of Vancouver took advantage and powered one into the back of an empty net.

With the Whitecaps up 1-0 it wouldn’t take long for the Galaxy’s player of the match to fire back. Romain Alessandrini hit a strike in the 26th minute that was tipped just before it crossed the goal line and then was knocked in by Jack Mcbean. While the goal eventually was ruled an own goal by Vancouver keeper David Ousted, Alessandrini certainly did all of the work to get that ball into the back of the net.

While Alessandrini didn’t get credit for his first strike, there was no denying who scored Los Angeles’ next goal. Alessandrini again gets an open look in front of the Whitecaps goal and powers one home with his left foot for his first official goal for the Galaxy.

A 2-1 Los Angeles lead would last through the halftime mark and all the way up until the 66th minute. Then things took a sour turn for the boys in blue.

Techera had another good shot on goal for his side but this one was tipped away by Diop only to wind up at the feet of their new striker Freddy Montero who pushed the ball by the diving Diop tying the game up at 2.

Just one minute later in the 67th minute the Galaxy fell asleep out of the restart and Whitecaps midfielder Matias Laba fired a shot through the Galaxy defense that found the back of the net. Los Angeles’ 2-1 lead had faded and now the club trailed 3-2 in just a two minute span.

In an attempt to get at least a point out of this contest, the Galaxy began substituting in some offense weapons. Including a face many fans hoped they would see soon Gyasi Zardes who entered for Jack Mcbean at the top of the formation. While Zardes wasn’t able to make much of an impact in his time on the pitch, it was a good sign to see him back out on the field and healthy once again.

However bringing on the offensive firepower backfired on Galaxy Manager Curt Onalfo as his young midfielder Joao Pedro made a mistake in the 87th minute and left the defense with little help behind him. Laba headed home his second goal of the game and that would seal the match.

The Whitecaps took the home victory 4-2.

This was an entertaining match to watch but for Galaxy fans it continued to shine light on the team’s weaknesses. A young core behind leaders like Van Damme, Cole and Jones continues to struggle and make mistakes at the most inopportune times, costing this team points.

A positive for Los Angeles is their next game against Montreal Impact who have also struggled out of the gates this season with just 3 points.

Thanks for reading along Galaxy fans.

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