🎥Film Room: The LA Galaxy's giveaway problem

Why the midfield is at the core of the Galaxy defensive issues

Photo Credit: LA Galaxy

The largest talking point about the LA Galaxy is their defense is leaking goals. When I asked Eriq Zavaleta about this, he gave an interesting response:

"Let me start by saying that this is not a back line issue. If you are watching these games again if you turn balls over in front of the back line you can't just point to the back line and say hey this is your problem. It's not right, it's not fair” - Eriq Zavaleta

This response helped me focus on one thing while I rewatched the game - How bad were the turnovers in the midfield towards the end of the game?

The Timbers had all the momentum in the game's final moments and deserved to win considering how poorly the Galaxy closed out the game. From the 80th minute of the game until the final whistle of the game, the Galaxy lost possession on average every 3.2 touches. This doesn't include defense clearances in the box and plays that led to corner or free kicks for the Portland Timbers.

Let’s roll the tape and get into why Zavaleta’s comments are spot on.