It seems more and more apparent that fans (and myself) should stop announcing LA to be back in form this season, at least in the near future. The LA XI that played this weekend was definitely the Mr. Hyde side, as they limped to a 1-1 draw against FC Dallas on Saturday. The obvious talking-point in this game, as far as the Galaxy are concerned, will be Robbie Keane’s penalty miss in the 50th minute. While Beckham’s immaculate service gave LA a chance to get ahead after a first half that saw neither team completely dominate, Keane’s penalty kick went wide right and the Galaxy missed their chance to go ahead. It was the first time since 2007 that someone other than Landon Donovan has taken the shot from the penalty shot, which is sure to raise eyebrows off the field.
LA would pay for not netting their PK 10 minutes later when Bill Gaudette, starting in place of absent Josh Saunders, took down Blas Perez going for a ball in the box. That tackle earned FC Dallas a chance from the spot and Brek Shea did not miss his chance to put the team ahead.
The Galaxy again struggled to convert chances yet again, though not all of the struggles could be attested to LA’s shooting woes. Journeyman Chris Seitz, playing in place of injured GK Kevin Hartman, denied LA several chances throughout the game. The key stop for Seitz and Dallas was a goal-line scrum in the 43th minute that even fooled the confetti cannons and the PA. In a microcosm of what was the Galaxy’s night, Seitz ended up stopping the shot shortly before the goal line and took away what seemed to be a sure goal before halftime to keep the score level.
For all the lack of goals and chances, LA just needed one to get a point and they got it in stoppage time from an unlikely source. Chad Barrett was the assist man after a poor clearance from Dallas in the box that found Pat Noonan open in the 2nd minute of stoppage time and he slotted the ball in for the game tying goal. Barrett again was in the mix in the 5th minute with what seemed to be a clear chance on goal that was waived off-sides.
Somehow, against all odds, the Galaxy come out with a draw that they probably didn’t deserve. That being said, hopefully LA can rebound mid-week against Seattle.
(image courtesy of German Alegria/LA Galaxy)
