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Timbers Outlast Shorthanded Galaxy 1-0

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Upon the departure of Manager Bruce Arena few thought the Galaxy would lose at least one thing. Their home field advantage.

Last season Los Angeles lost just one game at StubHub Center in the entire season. After the loss to FC Dallas in the opening week and this game against Portland that makes two, in just two games.

Blaming StubHub Center doesn’t seem to be the right approach here though. There were some factors working against the Galaxy even before kickoff. Injuries and suspensions left them with a depleted back line.

Defensively that isn’t all the Galaxy changed either. Manager Curt Onalfo made his first controversial choice since taking over, naming the younger Clement Diop the starting Goalkeeper for this game over last year’s starter Brian Rowe. Known for his aggression off the line, Diop is a risky choice but one many Galaxy fans have wanted to get an opportunity.

He didn’t get off to the greatest start. A defensive lapse by the Galaxy early left them open for a counter by the Timbers. Diego Valeri and Diego Chara immediately took advantage.

Throughout the rest of the game Diop was able to redeem himself from that rough patch. He showed why many were so enthusiastic about giving the 23 year-old Frenchman that chance. He was energetic in the back, vocal and hustled to tough stops throughout the match. Coming into this start, I doubt the keeper expected to be playing without the team’s Captain and defensive leader Jelle Van Damme in front of him. But that’s what he was left to do after Van Damme received his second yellow card in the 34th minute.

While the decision to give Van Damme either of his yellow cards were questionable at best, the Galaxy still were left to work an uphill battle down a man and a goal.

Portland didn’t seize the opportunity of that advantage in this case. They continued to play back, not forcing the Galaxy into difficult situations and it allowed Los Angeles to hang around. Los Angeles finished the match with 13 shots just one fewer than Portland. Another sign of aggressiveness shown by Galaxy in this one came when looking at the number of corners given as they finished with 12 of them.

Most impressively after the red card, the Galaxy seemed determined to protect their home field with great hustle. A great effort by Rafael Garcia, Sebastian Lletget and Diop late in the second half show exactly how much this team wanted to get a point out of this match.

That one goal by Portland in the 8th would be enough for them to hold on, but the shorthanded Los Angeles squad held their own. While moral victories hardly mean much, this is an instance where Galaxy fans should be happy with the way they team played. After all of the offseason changes to this club this one gives hope that this team can play well together.

Awaiting the Galaxy are Real Salt Lake next Saturday at Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah. Thanks for reading along Galaxy fans!

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!

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