L.A. Galaxy momentum dented, plus questions that need answers
Apr 29, 2012, 2:05 PM EDT
Getty Images The Good Ship Galaxy, formerly listing, had seemed to be righted. It looked like the league’s hot-to-not tail of 2012 was reversing course.
Consecutive wins, included one on the road, said good things were happening in Carson. David Beckham was playing better. Personnel concerns were evening out. Good fortune even seemed to be smiling; a big penalty kick stop in last week’s waning moments preserved the result and momentum.
So last night’s 1-1 draw at home against Dallas is hardly a disaster of “losing Thierry Henry” proportions. And yet, questions need be asked about last night’s result for the champs. First and foremost:
Why didn’t Landon Donovan, the designated PK taker in Galaxy-land since 2007, step up to the spot in the second half last night?
Donovan is 18 for 20 in that time. And yet, all he could do is watch as Irish international Robbie Keane pushed his important spot shot wide right. From Scott French’s report out of Carson last night:
“I just told Robbie I wanted him to take it,” Donovan said. “He did everything right, except he mishit it a little bit. It’s a guy who has taken many penalties and made many penalties, and I’m sure the next time he takes one, it’ll go in.”
Well, there’s the “what?” But where is the “Why?” Donovan, again:
“Just to get him going. It’s been a little while since [the forwards] have hit the net. We’re trying to get them more chances, and we’re not doing a good enough job getting them in front of the goal, so I thought it would help them a little bit.”
Odd, though. True that Keane hasn’t scored since a March 31 loss to New England. But it wasn’t that long ago.
The other issue that needs pointing out from last night: David Junior Lopez isn’t the answer at center back. He struggled Saturday, and only a heady night from backup goalkeeper Bill Gaudette kept Dallas off the board early, helping to split the points.
Highlights from the Home Depot Center are here:
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