Low scoring games are becoming this season’s theme for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Playing without Chicharito and Joveljic, the team tied 0 – 0 to a depleted Portland Timbers. Another game, another reminder of just how much the winless LA Galaxy’s offensive depth is shallow.
The LA Galaxy began the game with two starting debuts, with Preston Judd starting the game up front and Lucas Calegari starting in the right back position. Both shined bright and showed up to play, involving themselves in the offensive and defensive side of the field.
Preston Judd’s Game
With the injury of Chicharito and Joveljic’s absence from the game due to his international call up, Preston started the game in charge of the attack. Aggressive movement up front helped him create space for himself to find the goal post on multiple occasions. He moved where the play of the ball called him.
Early in the match, Puig found Judd’s foot and his ability to stay with the play even after losing it led to a missed opportunity. During the play, Judd lost and miss-played the ball. Staying aggressive, he found the football right back, reached the box and hit the pole on a cross to the right side of the post.
With one of the clearest shots on goal and other creative plays up front, Judd’s presence on the pitch made him a valuable asset for the depth of the offense on the bench.
Lucas Calegari’s Game
Calegari’s started on a rocky mishap. During a defensive play by Jalen Neal in the first minute of the game, the ball reached Calagari’s area when Diego Gutierrez came from behind and intercepted the ball from him.
The play led to an expert save by Caceres. After the interception, Lucas settled and used his speed on the right wing of the field to create offensive plays and stop Portland’s offense.
LA Galaxy’s defense is coming together. With Jalen Neal and Caceres controlling the middle coverage, the duo is not allowing anyone to enter their box. After allowing three goals in the opening match against FC Dallas, the defense has allowed only one goal in the last three matches.
Meanwhile, Efrain Alvarez, another offspring of the team’s farm system, had an underwhelming performance. After coming in for Tyler Boyd in the 76th minute, his performance was anticlimactic. He lost the ball on multiple occasions and his vision did not create any sense of urgency in the offensive side of the field.
After 90+ minutes of playing time, it is evident that ball possession does not translate to an attack. The team created beautiful build ups that felt like they were playing, “Who’s Going To Take The Last Shot?”
I don’t mean to sound like a broken record player, but this game was just another clear example of just how much this team depends on Chicharito’s attack. Or Joveljic’s magic.
On the bright side, they’ve only lost once so far.
Up Next
The LA Galaxy return home for a showdown against their Western Conference rivals, the 3rd place Seattle Sounders. Find out if this team will get a win without Javier “El Chicharito” Hernandez.
