LA Galaxy Set Shutout Record

This past Saturday, the LA Galaxy increased their lead in MLS with another 3 points against the San Jose Earthquakes in a 2-0 victory. Not only did LA win that match, but they set a club record for shutouts in a single season with 13 thus far. 

One cannot look at the Galaxy this season and not commend their defense, and this new club record just proves how incredible the defense has been. It is pretty remarkable the Galaxy have done so well with shutouts considering the large number of injuries the defense has endured. Most of the back line has been injured at one point this season, with the most significant injury affecting our goalie Donovan Ricketts. Fortunately, Bruce Arena has built a solid defense with plenty of depth that has been able to supply a consistent back line. And it is very fortuitous the Galaxy have a fantastic back-up goalie in Josh Saunders, whose play has grown considerably the last two years and I believe would be a starting goalie on any other team. 

Although the LA Galaxy have been plagued by injuries this season, they never cease to amaze. The Galaxy have shut-out their opponents in 13 out of 26 matches. In matches where they have let goals in, they have let one goal in nine times and two or more goals in four times. Both Josh Saunders and Donovan Ricketts have low goals against average percentages, with Sauders at 1.06 and Ricketts at .53. And we have to remember that Saunders was goalie during a stretch of multiple matches in a short period of time and while Omar Gonzalez and A.J. DeLaGarza were out injured, thus his stats reflect that period of exhaustion and transition in the Galaxy's backline. 

If our recent matches and play are any indication of the future, I predict the Galaxy will further the shutout record. The Galaxy have been playing remarkable soccer lately, and with the addition of Robbie Keane and our defense looking better than ever, the Galaxy's run to the playoffs couldn't come at a better time in the season.