LA Galaxy defeated by Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 in final preseason tune up

Sigi Schmid’s side dominated large stretches of the match vs. the Whitecaps, but poor defending was once again LA’s Achilles heel as the Galaxy fell to Vancouver 2-1 Saturday night at the StubHub Center.

LA’s first real opportunity came in the 11th minute when Giovani dos Santos located an open Romain Alessandrini racing inside box, but a wayward first touch resulted in Alessandrini’s shot going wide.

Unfortunately Joáo Plata conceded a penalty after needlessly swiping at Christian Techera just inside the area, and Kei Kamara coolly converted down the middle past a diving Bingham to hand Vancouver the lead.

Minutes later Alessandrini blasted a tricky free kick that goalkeeper Stefan Marinović spilled but no Galaxy attackers were around to re-direct. LA continued to press, and in the 30th minute Giovani played a perfect through ball to a wide open Kamara on the breakaway, but his soft chip attempt frustrated the home crowd.

Vancouver doubled their lead in the 52nd minute when Alphonso Davies was first to a loose ball in the box and blasted a close-range shot past Bingham. The Galaxy struck back when an Alessandrini bicycle kick ricocheted off Marcel de Jong’s hand and Gio converted the penalty, but with both teams nearly spent LA did not have the energy to muster a comeback.

The Galaxy will kick off the 2018 MLS season Sunday March 4th vs. the Timbers at 7 p.m. live on FS1.