LA Galaxy vs. NYCFC Player Ratings

One day the LA Galaxy will win at home again, right? One day....

With the Galaxy falling steadily down the standings, the playoffs are a dream. It's not going to happen folks, and if by some miracle it did, it would be a quick exit. Right now Sigi Schmid needs to determine what this team is going to look like next year. Player evaluation and determination of what's needed during the offseason should be priority number one. Forget the playoffs, the Galaxy need to be competitive in 2018 and there are some glaring holes that need to be fixed.

The player ratings tonight have an edge to thinking about next year. Though the Galaxy did have some shots on target, Sean Johnson of NYCFC came up big, and LA still didn't score. The offense continues to have a start and stop look about it, and the defense still hasn't learned to close down opposing players that can bend it like Beckham. Player ratings:

Okay

• Pele van Anholt - he was culpable on Villa's goal after being beat, but he's basically locked down the right hand side. RB is no longer an issue except for depth, and it looks like Diallo can be there in a pinch.
• Ashley Cole - hit the crossbar and had a couple of goal saving tackles tonight. He's likely to not be with LA next year due to his age, but LA need a left back with his smarts. Playing Romney here is likely not a long term solution, so either we have to hope Robbie Rogers has recovered, or LA needs to go and find another fullback.
• Jonathan Dos Santos - is it something about the Dos Santos brothers that they want to dribble by an entire defense usually to fail? Turnover machine. However, I went to look at the chalkboard and was surprised to see he had 4 key passes. That's even with collecting the ball too deep.
• Bradford Jamieson IV - his best appearance in awhile. Used his pace to trouble the NY defense. Hoping he turns into a solid substitute option.
• Emmanuel Boateng - The sea of red that are his crosses from the left hurt me. Then again, he was a threat and a danger like usual, and sent in several dangerous crosses. Keeper for 2018.
• Dave Romney - quietly not having problems. More defensive actions than his compatriot. Good depth for 2018.

Poor

• Gyasi Zardes - Sigi's quote after the game is not going to inspire confidence. He had a great shot on target, but also whiffed on a couple. Apparently Sigi was frustrated with him during the match. He's going to be a project for confidence building in the next set of games. Maybe we can hire Bruce to call him every night?

• Jack McInerney - got into good positions, but missed open nets. I'm not a fan, and wouldn't mind moving on during the offseason.
• Joao Pedro - non existent in midfield, movement lacking versus previous games. Needs to get better to not be replaced.
• Jermaine Jones - past it. And basically had a repeat of last week with a dumb lunge (on Villa) connecting directly to an opposing goal. Earned his obligatory yellow card for being slow. That said, he did have a couple of solid tackles. Apparently we are entertaining offers on him - I'd be happy with a sale here. Take the money and run.
• Daniel Steres - should have learned last week to you know, CLOSE DOWN PLAYERS. Not sure he's a starter.
• Romain Alessandrini - rusty, we'll give him a mulligan. Central to the team this year and beyond.
• Brian Rowe - too far off his line on New York's first goal. Starting to think he's just average material.

We need another fullback if Rogers isn't coming back because Cole isn't getting any younger, we need a CB replacement that's apparently in the works, we need a center forward that can connect with the midfield but most importantly can finish, and we need a defensive midfielder that covers ground. We also need Lletget back at CAM. We might need a goalkeeper.

Lots of needs, let's see what management does in the offseason, and if Sigi ends the season with a whimper or some promise.