By SBI SOCCER
Many have hailed the LA Galaxy as MLS Cup favorites as the season pushes into its final weeks. Yet Saturday, the reigning MLS Cup champions looked like anything but a team likely to reclaim the crown.
Faced with a trip to Rio Tinto Stadium, the Galaxy faltered, falling 3-0 to a Real Salt Lake side that kept its slim postseason hopes alive with a victory spurred by two goals from Devon Sandoval.
With the loss, the Galaxy remain one point behind the Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps, while RSL still sits five points out of a postseason position despite the victory.
The game got ugly early for the reigning MLS Cup winners, as Sandoval needed just three minutes to push the hosts into the lead.
Kickstarted by a ball in from Javier Morales, Aaron Maund’s header in the center of the box fell right to Sandoval on the left side of the six yard box. The RSL forward’s finish was clinical, giving his side an early lead that they would never look back from.
Midway through the first half, Morales provided a finish of his own, netting from the penalty spot in the 28th minute. Having seen Juan Manuel ‘Burrito’ Martinez taken down by Galaxy midfielder Juninho, Morales buried the ensuing spot kick following a stutter-step, doubling the RSL advantage.
Sandoval popped up again in the 53rd minute, pushing the lead to three with a headed finish. Darting through the defense, Martinez weaved his way around Galaxy defender Leonardo before firing a cross into the center of the box. Unmarked, Sandoval smashed a header into the back of the net, all but sealing three crucial points for the home team.
Followin the victory, RSL returns to action midweek for a CONCACAF Champions League clash with Santa Teclas on Wednesday before taking on the San Jose Earthquakes on September 27. The Galaxy will look to bounce back in a CCL match of their own, taking on Central FC Wednesday ahead of an MLS clash with FC Dallas on the 27th.
Jaysus, WTF was that? I had to watch the game this morning, and by the hour mark, even the Galaxy commentators couldn’t believe their eyes. Galaxy looked appalling, just standing around while a basement dweller buzzed around looking like 2010 RSL. Pathetic. Is this the downside of all these high priced veterans? Apathy? You know who the Galaxy could use right now? Landon Donovan. He seemed to give a crap.
Is cassar rallying this team to keep his job? This team is coming together but let’s see if the results keep coming in the last five games. I still would like to see someone like petke take over rsl next year.
The improbable seems to be comming true! If RSL wins out (unlikely but possible), they’re in. If they beat san jose, portland, and colorado (tough, but doable), they have a decent chance. Theyll be tied with portland on points, games won, and goal differential if they beat san jose and portland. the next tie breaker i believe is… disciplinary points?
Wow,….a little stunned by the Galaxy’s swoon in the past 3 matches. They better get it together.
Burrito has been a fantastic addition, however our current form is also due to a healthy team, and improved play from back to front. A trend which started a couple games before El Burrito. Martinez is the icing on a cake that’s been cooking for a little while now.
Q: Can the 4-3-3 work for RSL?
A: Emphatic yes.
Q: Is it too little too late, or is RSL playoff bound? If Portland looses tomorrow, our chances go from slim to possible.
RSL!!!