For the first time this season, the LA Galaxy have won two games in a row. After clinching a spot in the Round of 16 for the US Open Cup, Galaxy defended their home by dominating the San Jose Quakes and winning the match 2-1. With the win, the team avoids being dead last in the standings.

“We’re starting to find our rhythm,” points out Greg Vanney, “ [We’ll] continue to build off it.”

The LA Galaxy starting lineup had 4-3-3 formation, with a squad similar to the starting 11 that played in on Wednesday against the Seattle Sounders. The only difference was Memo Rodriguez starting after his 2-goal night instead of Vivi Quesada.

Having Tyler Boyd and Memo Rodriguez on the wings helped create more attacking plays up front. Instead of relying solely on Chicharito, the LA Galaxy attack was coming from all directions.

In the last two games, the LA Galaxy has scored 5 goals, their most goals in a two-game span this season. Instead of just controlling the game through their passing and ball movement, the Galaxy created opportunities to score. Throughout the season, creating clear opportunities has been a problem.

Martin Caceres opened the scoring on a header during a corner kick play. After the ball crossed the line, Puig seemed to have touched the ball and the screens at the park celebrated the goal for Puig.

Regardless, LA Galaxy got a spurt of confidence in their game and played with extra grit after scoring. Chicharito was subbed out for Dejan Joveljic during the last minute of the game. Within seconds, Dejan lost the ball, stayed with the play, recovered and scored a thrilling goal to make it 2-0.

Dejan Joveljic has not been dangerous when starting the game. During his short minutes of play versus the Quakes, his attacking felt threatening. For the first time this season, Joveljic looked like himself. He now leads the team with two goals.

The Quakes’ Ousseni Bouda scored a last minute goal seconds before the end of the game. An injured Julian Aude off the goalline kept Bouda onside when he found the back of the net.

With two wins behind their back, the LA Galaxy is flying for a quick turnaround to Columbus where they will face Columbus on Wednesday.

The Good

Dejan Joveljic came into the game, made a mistake, recovered the ball and scored a goal all within a minute. His threat is best when he comes off the bench.

“It starts really with he’s a competitor,” states Greg Vanney. “He’s a winner and when he stepped on the field he knew his job was to help us defend this thing out and he turned that into a goal. It’s exceptional.”

Dejan Joveljic’s gritty ability to play is a card that is best played off the bench. His ability to create chaos helps the team more when the pressure is on. This LA Galaxy team’s missing piece is Joveljic’s game changing skills off the bench. “If I have to, I’m gonna sacrifice myself to the team,” explains Joveljic after the game.

“In this league, sometimes it is better to play the last 25 than the first 65 and get something. [ ] In the last 25 the games open and you have more opportunities to score,” states Joveljic.

The Bad

During the game, Chicharito had multiple clear opportunities in the box. He went 0/3 with shots on goal that either ended on a blunder or wide shots. He has one goal in the season. If this team wants to continue to win, it will need to have Chicharito playing with confidence.

With the 4-3-3 formation the Galaxy played with against San Jose, Chicharito will have support from the wing. Help is on its way, but the Mexican score leader needs to find his touch before it’s too late for the LA Galaxy.

The Ugly

During the game, the San Jose Earthquakes displayed a banner that read, “ACB = Judas.” The supporters took a jab at the Angel City Brigade. ACB recently crossed the picket lines and returned to the stands. Meanwhile, the rest of the groups continue to boycott the home games.

A friendly rivalry jab is much needed, I can’t wait to see what ACB has in store for when LA Galaxy visits San Jose.