LA Galaxy Snap 6 Game Losing Streak Against Whitecaps
The Galaxy wrapped up this weekend’s MLS action by taking on the Vancouver Whitecaps at home in Dignity Health Sports Park. They were in desperate need of turning things around and having a good showing, as they have been in terrible form as of late. Coming into the game, there had even been reports of locker room issues amongst the players, this time involving Chicharito Hernandez. The allegations made were that the star Mexican player refused to speak with his teammates, with the notable exception of fellow Mexican international, Jonathan Dos Santos. Clearly not a very good sign for an already not very good team.
With all of that in the background, the Angelinos welcomed in Vancouver. The Whitecaps for their end were coming off a 2-game win streak and came with the intention of making it 3 in a row. Curiously enough, the Canadian team does not know how to tie, as they are the only team in MLS to not register a tie this season; they can only win or lose it would seem.
For the start of the game, the Galaxy opted for having new signing Yoni Gonzalez in the front and Chicharito on the bench. This was not a surprising decision given the Mexican players recent performances on field. Efrain Alvarez and Julian Araujo were also designated starters for this game. The game got off to a bit of a Vancouver dominance before the Galaxy took control back. The home team had a few key chances to score in the first half, most notably a one-on-one with Pavon and the Whitecap’s goalie. In what’s become a rarity, the goalie was able to stop Pavon’s attempted juke and was able to push the ball away enough to stop the attack. Yony Gonzalez also had shots on goal himself, even scoring a goal that was disallowed as he and Daniel Steres were offside by the time Yoni got his shot off.
The second half saw Chicharito finally come onto the field in the 50th minute, although sadly it would be in exchange for Yoni Gonzalez due to injury. Up until then Yoni had a promising game, but Chicharito was able to pick up where Yoni left off. The Mexican forward had a few opportunities and shots on goal himself. The clearest of them all would come in the 84th minute, off a precise Pavon low, curving cross from outside the area. In what is one of his signature scoring methods, Chicharito slid to make contact with the ball, however instead of sending the ball into the back of the net as many of his fans are used to seeing, Chicharito ended up sending the ball into the empty stands. Just as fans were beginning to conform themselves with a tie, it was another new Galaxy player that came to save the day. Former LA Galaxy II player Kai Koreniuk, who hadn’t seen action since August 29th when he was subbed in late against San Jose, was able to connect with another precise Pavon pass, sending this one to the back of the net in the 90th minute for the LA Galaxy score. It was this score that would secure the win for the Galaxy.
With this win, the LA Galaxy were able to halt their 6 game losing streak, and just in time as well, since next week their opponent is their crosstown rival, LAFC. With this win, although the Galaxy will still stay in last place of the standings, they are now behind 11th place (Colorado in this instance) by only one point. LAFC will be no small task however as they have been in good form recently and currently find themselves in 4th place of the Western Conference.
