Examining what went wrong during the LA Galaxy's 4-2 loss to LAFC
Analyzing LA's mistakes and what held them back against LAFC
It was a rough night for Greg Vanney’s LA Galaxy as they lost 4-2 to bitter rivals LAFC. The loss breaks LA’s four-game unbeaten run and halts the club’s momentum during their playoff push.
LAFC got on the scoreboard first due to a Denis Bouanga header in the 23rd minute of the match. Seconds after the restart, Billy Sharp kept his goalscoring form going and leveled the match. In the 33rd minute, Ryan Hollingshead’s powerful shot from the outside of the box beat Jonathan Bond to give the home side the lead.
The Galaxy clawed back in the second half as Maya Yoshida scored his first goal for the club in the 59th minute. Chris Mavinga’s poor back pass was intercepted by Bouanga in the box and the Gabon international finished the chance in the 75th minute. Tim Tillman wrapped up the game with his goal in the 84th minute of play.
“I feel like we needed to be at another speed tonight that we weren’t at. We need to move forward and really focus on the next game and make sure we come out on top in the next one,” said Vanney to reporters after the game.
“Definitely wasn't a good performance for us. I think we need to be better on the ball defensively. We need to be better. But that's everybody,” said winger Diego Fagundez. “We all need to step up and make sure that when Wednesday comes and we're back at our field, we do better.
The Galaxy sits in 13th still and five points behind the last play-in spot in the Western Conference. This game doesn’t end LA’s playoff hopes but it is a dent that will hinder them until the end of the season. Let’s take a look at why the Galaxy struggled on Saturday night
Examining the goals
Just like in many of this season’s games, the LA Galaxy shot themselves in the foot during this game. Individual mistakes and moments ended up leading to LAFC’s goals.
For LAFC’s first goal, allowing Bouanga to have a free header just outside of the six-yard box is unacceptable. Yoshida can’t keep up with Bouanga and can’t contest the header. The home side took advantage of LA’s backline being disconnected and made them pay.
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