LA Galaxy lose to Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1

Gyasi Zardes scored his first MLS goal, but there was little else to celebrate for the LA Galaxy as they went down 3-1 to Vancouver. It was the Whitecaps' first ever victory over the LA Galaxy. Homegrown players ruled the day for both sides, as Vancouver got a brace from Homegrown prospect Russel Teibert.

The lone Galaxy goal came from a Homegrown connection. Jose Villarreal chipped a ball into the box from the right wing that Zardes was able to get his head on bringing the Galaxy to within a goal.

Hector Jimenez was the lone change for the Galaxy from last match, and to his credit he did complete better than half his passes this afternoon (55%). He made a good early impression with a key pass that Villarreal was able to head for the Galaxy's only other shot on target.

Landon Donovan getting pushed up to forward didn't replace what Robbie Keane gives to the club. Donovan didn't a shot today and his only key pass came from a corner kick. Jose Villarreal played the distributing forward role, but until Zardes came in the Galaxy didn't have a forward who was trying to score every time down.

On points per match the Galaxy are second in the West, averaging out to 1.56 over nine games. Only the Seattle Sounders and (for some unknown reason) Chivas USA have played that few, with FC Dallas the only side earning more points each time out. This was just the third loss for the Galaxy, only Dallas and Portland have fewer.

The post match interviews will confirm what everyone saw; a lack of aggressiveness, poor attack. With Keane and Dunivant looking to return on either Wednesday or Sunday, hopefully the confidence will return with them. The players of the future have shown well. However, LA needs production from the key veterans to nudge the ship back in the right direction. Indeed the metaphorical ship has met only the slightest storm.

This team is still in good straits while weathering their worst stretch, and it's surely to their credit.