The Galaxy got away with a lackluster performance Saturday night, needing an Alan Gordon header late to draw the Colorado Rapids 1-1 on a chilly evening at the StubHub Center.
With Robbie Keane and Jose Villarreal still injured and two games next week to think about, the Galaxy rested starters A.J. DeLaGarza, Juninho and Stefan Ishizaki, putting a 4-4-2 diamond formation on the field with Rafael Garcia and Mika Vayrynen in the center, Baggio Husidic sliding to the right midfield and rookie Nacho Maganto at left wing. Bradford Jamieson IV and Gyasi Zardes started up top once again.
The first chance came for LA when Omar Gonzalez floated a long ball over the Rapids defense to a waiting Baggio Husidic, but after collecting his shot was high. A few minutes later, the Rapids should have scored when a Dillon Powers restart found Lucas Pittinari wide open from close range, however the Argentine scuffed his attempt.
In the 40th minute, the Rapids capitalized on a Galaxy turnover. After doing a brilliant job of shielding the ball off Juan Ramirez in the midfield, Omar Gonzalez dribbled his way out of traffic before his pass was intercepted by Michael Harrington. With Gonzalez out of position, Harrington played a simple through ball to Gabriel Torres for the breakaway, and Torres easily slotted past a stranded Jaime Penedo for the opener.
"Lousy" was the word used by Bruce Arena post game to describe the match, and with the Galaxy fielding another makeshift lineup and Colorado's formation intent on slowing down the Galaxy attack, the game was an industrial affair. Despite bossing possession, LA weren't dangerous in the final third.
Making his MLS debut, SuperDraft pick Nacho Maganto was one of the few brights spots in the match. The 5'8" midfielder had an energetic 73 minutes of play, running all over the field, spraying the ball with confidence and making his presence felt.
Late in the game, it was Alan Gordon to save the Galaxy's bacon once again, methodically re-directing a trademark Stefan Ishizaki corner kick past Clint Irwin into the side netting.
The Galaxy embark on a challenging road trip this week, as they head to Utah to face Real Salt Lake mid-week before traveling to Dallas to battle a red-hot FC Dallas side.
