LA Galaxy defeated by Real Salt Lake 3-1, another late meltdown

The LA Galaxy failed to pick up any points for the second straight round, losing 3-1 on the road to Real Salt Lake. 1-1 at halftime, again LA lost the plot late coughing up two goals after the eighty minute mark. Further complicating maters, Marcelo Sarvas picked up a yellow card and will be suspended next match due to yellow card accumulation.

Landon Donovan got the lone goal for LA, equalizing shortly after RSL went up with a far post volley. It was one of only two shots on target for the Galaxy, who once again had trouble getting shots off inside the penalty area. In a match where LA were severely out-passesed, they had fewer total passes in the final third than RSL had completed passes.

Bruce Arena chose to go with a different formation and a different goalkeeper after the 5-0 drubbing by New England. Brian Rowe started in goal while Carlo Cudicini stayed home. The outfield players in front of him lined up in a 4-3-3 and stuck to form most of the match.

The only outfield player change from last match was Jose Villarreal for Hector Jimenez. The two young Homegrown players going up top with Landon Donovan didn't give the Galaxy that many more looks. For the second straight week LA failed to create a big chance, and didn't manage any in front of goal. For comparison, RSL only had one big chance, finished it, and had four shots in front of goal inside the penalty box.

The Galaxy were only able to control possession for limited stretches, which is a big change from last week when LA controlled possession throughout. Michael Stephens got placed in the center spot in Arena's 4-3-3, it's be interesting to see if he sticks with it in the coming weeks.

With a full strength Robbie Rogers and Robbie Keane up top with Donovan and Zardes, the new formation could pay off more than it did tonight. Of course, with Omar Gonzalez and Keane back a lot of the Galaxy's problems would be fixed, no matter the formation.