Carson, CA -- After a stunning loss to Real Salt Lake in their home opener, the Galaxy appeared to be back on track after Robbie Keane's two-goal performance sparked a 3-1 win over DC United. Such appearances were deceiving however, as Los Angeles just took another step backward in their 2012 title defense.
Playing before a faithful crowd in the pouring rain and wind Saturday night, the Galaxy took the field against the New England Revolution without stars Omar Gonzalez and Landon Donovan. Still, there were no excuses for this talented team boasting quality defenders in Sean Franklin and Todd Dunivant, midfielders David Beckham and Juninho, and strikers Robbie Keane and Edson Buddle.
The Revolution started quick out of the gates with offensive attacking, and they were rewarded in the 10th minute with an early first goal.
It started when New England crossed the ball into the 6-yard box with Revolution players ready to capitalize, but AJ DeLaGarza saved the day with a great defensive clearance. However, the Revolution threw the ball back into play, and Shalrie Joseph found himself with plenty of time to cross the ball to Kelyn Rowe, who easily put the ball into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.
When it rained it poured on this night for the LA Galaxy, as New England would attack for a 2-0 lead just 3 minutes later.
In the 14th minute, Kevin Alston sent in a pass across the top of the 6-yard box where there were multiple Revolution players waiting to score. Chris Tierney, sprinting into the 18-yard box, got to the ball first and scored past keeper Josh Saunders and the Galaxy defense.
The Galaxy’s only true scoring threats came in the 38th and 45th minutes when David Beckham stepped up for free-kicks from about 30 yards away. Beckham’s free-kicks were each spectacular and on-goal, but Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis was able to barely save both.
At halftime, Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena substituted out Beckham and Marcelo Sarvas. After the game, Arena stated that he would have subbed out all 11 players at halftime if he had 11 substitutions.
In the second half, the Galaxy’s play improved, as the Revolution’s 2-0 lead was held in check temporarily.
In the 59th minute, Paolo Cardozo found himself with the ball at the top of the 18-yard box after some solid Galaxy passing. Cardozo dribbled between two Revolution defenders and appeared to be knocked down with an aggressive shoulder, but head referee Ricardo Salazar did not make the call.
New England would put the game away in the 65th minute and take a 3-0 lead when the Revolution's Ryan Guy made a great individual effort to beat Galaxy defenders along the side of the field and then crossed the ball into the box. Saer Sene rose above the Galaxy defense and headed the ball into goal.
The Galaxy would get a consolation goal in the 78th minute when Edson Buddle assisted Robbie Keane for a goal.
Postgame in the Galaxy locker room, the coaches and players noted how they were greatly disappointed with the loss, their 1-2 record, and the team's start to the MLS season. LA will look to get back on track this weekend in Kansas City where they play their first road game of the season.
By Brian Kowalski
Staff Reporter for The Daily Sports Herald
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