Three takeaways from LA Galaxy's scoreless draw in Seattle
The LA Galaxy recorded a 0-0 draw against the Seattle Sounders to get a point away from home. It was the second game in a row that Greg Vanney’s side was held scoreless but LA also recorded its second clean sheet of the season. LA now sits in third place after 11 games this season
Both teams looked slow and struggled to create high-quality chances in the first half. The Galaxy didn’t create much in the first half and had multiple sloppy possessions. The Sounders didn’t have much either but started to test John McCarthy’s goal as the game went on. Seattle had multiple opportunities to get on the scoresheet but the finishing boots were missing for multiple players.
“Tough place to play against a good team and we manage the game and we managed it getting a zero. We'll take it. Take our point and keep moving.”
- Greg Vanney
An Excellent Road Point
Let’s put this into context: the Galaxy was missing their playmaking midfielder, their top scorer, and the player that covers the most distance on a per 90-minute basis. Despite that, LA held on for a draw in a stadium they have rarely walked away from with points in the last eight years.
You can’t complain about that at all.
Riqui Puig’s vision and playmaking were missing but the Galaxy still found a few ways to test the goalkeeper. Dejan Joveljic’s absence was felt the most as backup striker Miguel Berry struggled in possession and at creating danger against the Sounders. Mark Delgado has established good chemistry with Miki Yamane and Joseph Paintsil and his absence was felt at the start of the game.
“You take a point on the road. I think that goes a long way in the season. If you go grab some points on the road,” said McCarthy postgame. Vanney told the media that he thought the artificial pitch was “kind of soft and spongy and ” and slowed down the pace of play for both teams.
Nonetheless, the Galaxy at least came away with a point in one of the most forgettable games of the season.
“The group that was here, did a fantastic job of just coming together and working together and getting something out of the game,” said Vanney. Both teams didn’t have many high-quality chances but LA will take this sort of result when they can.
Aude’s Breakout Continues
One of the best performances from this match came from 21-year-old left back Julian Aude. He won eight of 12 duels, three possessions won, and two tackles, recorded five clearances and completed two dribbles in 90 minutes against Seattle.
The young Argentine has taken his game to another level compared to his first season with the LA Galaxy. His composure on the ball is silky smooth as he uses it to create space for himself when under pressure. He’s the Galaxy’s supporting attacker on the left side and does a phenomenal job at finding spaces to exploit.
Defensively is where Aude has taken the biggest leap in his second year in LA. His individual defending is consistent and positions himself well to defend crosses.
20-year-old Jalen Neal made his first start in 329 days for the LA Galaxy and put in a quality performance. Neal won five of seven duels and three of four ariel duels, recorded a game-high eight clearances, and completed 41 of 50 passes (82%) against the Sounders.
Neal made some clutch clearances and contested many crosses into the box. There were some rusty moments in possession but those should be sorted out the more he plays. It’s been a long road to recovery for Neal but he’s still showing how much of an asset he is for the Galaxy.
“I think it's a good start for [Neal]. He got a zero out of it and he won some important balls in the air, he won some important duels. If this is the spot that we're building from, then I think it's a great spot for him.”
- Greg Vanney.
The young defenders taking a leap forward in their performances is what the 2024 Galaxy needs to evolve in a positive direction.
Needing another striker
Berry once again struggled to leave a mark in this game as a starter while Joveljic remains on the sidelines injured. The 26-year-old striker recorded one shot on goal, three chances created, and won four of 12 duels in a 90-minute shift.
The eye test shows a player who hustles and will bring lots of energy to the front line. While that’s great to have in you’re arsenal, it’s not leading to danger to the opposition’s goal.
Berry has logged two shots (one on target), five chances created, and 0.04 xG on target (xGOT) in 319 minutes of action. That’s very little danger being produced from Berry and a real concern for the Galaxy.
Vanney mentioned Joveljic’s status saying, “Hopefully [Joveljic] will be back into next week that's our hope”. The Galaxy needs Joveljic soon as Berry continues to show he’s not close to filling those shoes. It’s looking more likely LA could be in the market for a striker with Berry’s lackluster performances and Joveljic’s injury concerns.