Curt Onalfo’s first game as LA Galaxy head coach saw his team fall to a mighty FC Dallas offense.
Kelyn Acosta’s goal in the 69th minute locked up three points for FC Dallas in the 2-1 win over the Galaxy at StubHub Center. The new-look Galaxy were missing a few key players on the day, and FC Dallas took scoring chances well to seal a season-opening win
The Galaxy pressured late, but their last great scoring chance went begging as Ariel Lassiter couldn’t get his head on a well-placed cross in the 90th minute.
FC Dallas wasted no time when the second half began, turning its incisive attacking in the first half into the first goal of the game via a 47th minute goal from Maximiliano Urruti. The Galaxy equalized when Giovani dos Santos fired a penalty kick past Chris Seitz in the 53rd minute. Galaxy defender Dave Romney drew the penalty called against FC Dallas defender Hernan Grana as Dos Santos leveled the scoreline just six minutes after falling behind.
The transformed Galaxy lineup matched FC Dallas in several areas of the game. New Galaxy midfielder Romain Alessandrini struggled to make a great impact in the match from the right wing. Fellow new arrival Joao Pedro, however, showed flashes of his passing skill.
FC Dallas weathered a physical game to break into the final third quickly. The Galaxy enjoyed most of the possession, but the largely unchanged Dallas lineup showed no signs of slowing down from a successful 2016. New FCD striker Cristian Colman started and played 69 minutes in the match, although an errant touch in the first half prevented him from a golden chance to score.
Galaxy academy product Dave Romney replaced an injured Robbie Rogers, while Rafael Garcia replaced Ashley Cole at left back due to injury. Galaxy forward Jack McBean featured for the Galaxy as Gyasi Zardes continued to sit out recovering from foot surgery.
MAN OF THE MATCH
A couple clutch tackles and clearances made for a successful day for FC Dallas center back Walker Zimmerman. The Galaxy heaped pressure on FCD in stoppage time, but the Dallas defense stood strong.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta’s 69th minute goal proved FC Dallas’ superiority. The Galaxy looked uncomfortable in possession for most of the game and Acosta’s goal proved too much for the Galaxy to overcome.
MATCH TO FORGET
Expectations will be high this season for Giovani dos Santos, but he didn’t quite measure up to them Saturday afternoon against a talented FC Dallas defense. Despite struggles in the run of play, dos Santos notched a goal from the penalty spot, but the Mexican star will need to do more this season.