Galaxy thumped 4-0 by league-leaders Toronto

By Shawn Medow
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: September 16, 2017

Facing league-leading Toronto FC, the Los Angeles Galaxy knew they had a tough test ahead of them, even at the StubHub Center.

On Saturday night, without Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore, Toronto defeated the Galaxy 4-0 behind two goals for Tosaint Ricketts. The Galaxy’s injury woes continued with Bradley Diallo and Bradford Jamieson IV both exiting the game through injuries.

The Galaxy lined up with Joe Kempin in goal with Michael Ciani getting and Hugo Arellano getting the starts as part of the Galaxy’s three center backs. Giovani dos Santos started as captain while Jamieson IV and Gyasi Zardes both started up top.

Jonathan dos Santos had the Galaxy’s best early chance but the shot skimmed over Toronto’s crossbar.

Toronto broke through on a free kick that was taken quickly. The ball clanged off the crossbar but fell for Drew Moor, who headed it home for the visitors.

Galaxy caught napping. Quick free kick is nodded home by Toronto’s Drew Moor. 1-0 TFC. #LAvTOR pic.twitter.com/U6ZrF8zKyP

— Shawn Medow (@ShawnMedow) September 17, 2017

Toronto doubled its lead in the 37th minute through Ricketts as he knocked home a shot passed Kempin. Nathan Smith entered the game for the Galaxy, replacing Diallo.

Before the half, Kempin stopped a point-blank attempt to keep LA in the game.

The Galaxy struggled to get anything going in the attacking third, taking only one shot compared to the 11 attempted by Toronto. Five of Toronto’s attempts landed on goal while the Galaxy’s lone shot did not come on frame.

At halftime, Toronto led 1-0 over a stagnant Galaxy side.

The Galaxy had some miscommunication in the back on an attempted pass from Dave Romney to Kempin, but they avoided conceding after clearing the danger before Toronto could strike.

Ricketts thought he had scored a second goal but the linesman’s flag was raised for offside and the goal did not stand.

In hopes to provide some pace and energy in the attack for the Galaxy, Emmanuel Boateng entered the match for Arellano in the 64th minute. LA also had to bring Jack McInerney into the game for an injured Jamieson.

With about 20 minutes to play, the Galaxy began to try lob balls in with Zardes as one of the intended targets but he struggled to get anything on target or into dangerous positions for his teammates.

Toronto countered and sealed the win with a third goal, Ricketts’ second of the night, making it 3-0 in the 76th minute Carson.

Two minutes later, Toronto piled on another goal as Vazquez broke free and slotted it home passed Kempin to make it 4-0.

The Galaxy continued to push for a goal but could not find one in the late stages of the match as Toronto held on to win 4-0. LA finished the match with four shots, compared to 16 from Toronto, but the Galaxy failed to get one on target.

LA next take on Atlanta United on Sept. 20.

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