LA Galaxy vs. Earthquakes Player Ratings

Maybe the Galaxy should just play their remaining games on the road? Who would have thought the Galaxy would take 9 points from this road stretch? (If you raised your hand, I don’t believe you.) Curt Onalfo deserves some credit for a team that’s earning wins right now, particularly while injuries are taking depth away. Giovani Dos Santos and Romain Alessandrini also appear to be the new Keanovan for 2017 with a connection that grows brighter every week. It will be sad to see Dos Santos leaving for the Mexican National Team when he’s been on a scoring streak.

Tonight a wild first half of end-to-end soccer was rewarded with five goals after some nice offense from both sides...and some bad defense. The second half calmed down a bit with the Galaxy weathering a final twenty minute storm. Overall a nice effort from all eleven players, though Alessandrini and Dos Santos had an extra special shine.

Player Ratings

Excellent!:

• Romain Alessandrini - Though he did let in the cross on Wondo’s goal, and muffed what looked like a sure goal in the first half, his beautiful assist to Dos Santos more than made up for it. The trajectory and accuracy on this curler is stunning to watch:

He’s earned every single one of his DP dollars and was a creative force again tonight. He’s fun to watch because he’s dangerous on the ball and you are always wondering what he’s going to do with it. (One note: Romain, you don’t need to dive. Really.)

• Giovani Dos Santos - Man of the Match with two goals. 5 goals and 1 assist in the last 4 games. The guy we’ve been wanting has finally showed up playing in the free role under Gyasi Zardes. He’s had more of an impact on games, and looks like he has more ideas. Tonight he only had 4 misplaced passes, and had a key pass on top of his two goals.

Good:

• Emmanuel Boateng - LA plays so much better when he’s in the game. Though he wasn’t mistake free, he was a constant threat and had two key passes. He played a pass just behind Alessandrini in the 5th minute on a clear breakaway, and muffed a counter in minute 59, but had a distinct impact down the left hand side. Hopefully not injured as he limped off in the second half.
• Joao Pedro - I wonder if he’s going to tape Jermaine Jones to the bench. Scored his first MLS goal with a great finish in the first half, deserved after hitting the crossbar a couple of times in previous games. Also had only one missed pass for the night...total.
• Ashley Cole - some might wonder why I put him here after he got beat on Wondo’s goal (ball watching!), but he was invaluable on offense tonight. His lovely assist on Pedro’s goal was clinical, and he set up the Galaxy’s gorgeous fourth goal when he caught Cato sleeping on the sideline, stealing the ball away and playing in Alessenadrini. Also has a knack to be in the right place in the final six with another defensive block taking away a goal for San Jose.
• Bradley Diallo - Erractic is the name of the game - he was lucky he didn’t get beat in the 21st minute when a cross came in and he reacted late, but he also earned a PK and forced an own goal off of Bernardez. Also had two crucial headers in the 87th back to back, but also earned a yellow card. For the offensive contributions we’ll edge him into the good category.

OK:

• Gyasi Zardes - looks like he’s settling in. Much better touches tonight, much better movement. Let’s give him another week because in contrast Jack McInerney was absolutely putrid in his minutes up top.
• Rafael Garcia - had a nice block to prevent a goal, but then a miserable clearance to leave the ball in the final 18...leading to Wondo’s goal. Also let in the cross for second goal. BUT. For his first game starting after the Husidic injury, he did his job.
• Jelle Van Damme - his passion was on display when he showed the crest to Urena (and the scoreline) at the end of the game. Beat on San Jose’s second goal and his passing game was woeful tonight, but had several solid tackles to preserve the win.
• Brian Rowe - nice save in the 88th minute to preserve the two goal lead.
• Dave Romney - didn’t get mentioned after coming in for an injured Steres. That’s good news.

Poor:

• Jack McInerney - Muffed a counter in the 85th minute, poor passing, and earned a stupid yellow card at the end of the game. Not ready for him to replace Zardes if that’s what he’s offering.

Not Rated:

• Daniel Steres - Had some nice blocks and clearances before heading out with what looked like a hamstring injury.
• Jaime Villarreal - late sub, though he should have been better protecting the ball.