The L.A. Galaxy: Light years away from success
By Mike Gambill
Whenever I think of topics to write about regarding Major League Soccer, I always try to find positive aspects when writing about the various teams within the MLS. When it comes to the Los Angeles Galaxy; however, I feel that they somehow are hopelessly lost in the MLS solar system right now. This team truly seems to be light years away from success as they had in the early days of Major League Soccer. Where are you Landon Donovan? Where are you Cobi Jones?
The Galaxy can’t find a break anywhere right now.
With a dismal 3-9-4 record and a blistering 13 total points (no subtle sarcasm intended), the Galaxy are on a pace to make sure that they will certainly be a part of the 2023 MLS playoffs -from their living rooms. Even at home, Los Galacticos can’t catch a cold let alone a break and have a 2-4-1 record on their own turf this season. Combined with an even more abysmal 1-5-3 road record, the L.A. Galaxy looks to be a top candidate for the MLS doormat of the year. It’s actually hard to believe it but the Galaxy is actually not in last place in the Western Conference; that dubious distinction falls upon the equally snakebitten Colorado Rapids.
L.A. Galaxy – light-years away from success?
There are telltale signs that the L.A. Galaxy truly is lost in the MLS solar system and if these harbingers of gloom cast a dark shadow on the rest of the season, it’s going to be a long summer in Carson, CA. In the span of just a few days last week, the Galaxy fell out of the U.S. Open Cup competition by losing to Real Salt Lake – a team they had just beaten in one of their few victories this season.
Even worse than that loss was the devastating loss of striker and team captain (and pretty much everything else) Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez to a torn ACL injury. Chicharito will miss the rest of this season and no doubt miss the early portion of next year as well as he works on rehabilitating his knee back into playing shape.
Getting excited about a match draw means more trouble for the Galaxy.
When a team gets actually excited about a match draw, you know that your club isn’t heading down a primrose path this season. Granted, the Galaxy pulled off a 1-1 draw against a quality team in the St. Louis City SC this past weekend but draws aren’t wins, and right now the L.A. Galaxy is in desperate need of any wins they can get.
Yes, a draw gives you a valuable point but it also means you conceded two more points by not winning a match. Maybe the upcoming international competitions will be a sorely needed break for the Galaxy; at this rate, this squad can and should take advantage of any break they can get. With a meager 8.8% goal conversion rate (76 shots on goal, 14 total goals) the Galaxy is in need of a soccer miracle right now to keep from completely folding long before the MLS season is over this fall.