Recap of May 9, 2015 Match: LA Galaxy vs. FC Dallas

(Photo via Twitter User @TheBeast980)

Unfortunately, the LA Galaxy failed to follow up their tie against Real Salt Lake with a win—or even another tie—against FC Dallas on May 9, 2015 during their two-game week.

 Starting Lineups and Substitutions

Much like the match against Real Salt Lake, neither LA Galaxy nor FC Dallas scored during the first half. The Galaxy took five shots, including one goal. In the 59^th minute, Stefan Ishizaki crossed the ball off a corner kick right on to Gyasi Zardes’ head! The LA Galaxy held the lead in a game for the first time since the match against the New York Red Bulls on April 26, 2015. This lead would not last long though—eighteen minutes to be exact.

FC Dallas’s Mauro Diaz skillfully chipped the ball over the defense and into the box to Blas Perez. Perez brought the ball down with his chest and swiftly dribbled around Jaime Penedo to tap the ball into the net. With four minutes left in the match, both teams either wanted to keep the game tied or score a final goal to earn those three points…and FC Dallas chose the second option.

In the 87^th minute, Mauro Diaz worked his magic again. He crossed the ball to the left side of the field into Tesho Akendele’s waiting feet. LA’s Dan Gargan made a fatal mistake when he chose not to challenge Akendele and instead shadow him while watching the players to his left. With the extra space, Akendele took a left-footed shot towards the right side of the net and scored.

After the match, Bruce Arena talked with Adam Serrano, the LA Galaxy Insider, and personally accepted the blame for the Galaxy’s latest on the road loss. He said the loss can be attributed to “poor coaching,” but in my opinion, more than just coaching affected the LA Galaxy—injuries (specifically Robbie Keane and Jose Villarreal), tired legs, and a failing midfield. Hopefully as the season progresses, none of these will be factors (at least all at the same time) in future games.

Looking to the Future

Unfortunately, Gargan received a yellow card, and because of yellow accumulation, he will miss the May 17 match against Orlando City SC. Yet, Jose Villarreal might return for the game! He has missed several games because of a nagging hamstring injury, but his return might spark some much-needed life into the Galaxy midfield. It still has not recovered from the loss of Landon Donovan and Marcelo Sarvas. Luckily, the LA Galaxy signed a new midfielder from West Ham United—Sebastian Lletget. Lletget is also rumored to play against Orlando City. With the addition of Lletget and Villarreal possibly returning, the LA Galaxy should be ready to earn their first on the road win in months!

“Bruce Arena takes the blame for the Galaxy’s late loss to FC Dallas.” — article 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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