Where’s the rhythm? Real Salt Lake 2, LA Galaxy 0

The LA Galaxy slump continues, as they lost their second straight game to Rocky Mountain opposition, this time Real Salt Lake, by a 2-0 scoreline at Rio Tinto Stadium Wednesday.

The Galaxy had life in the game and several close calls, through the first hour of the game, but RSL got the call they were looking for with a penalty to open up the scoring, before sealing the win with an insurance tally, as the Galaxy are now winless in their last three games after a blistering start in the local return to play.

On the night, all three Designated Players started for the Galaxy, for the first time since March, Rolf Feltscher returning at right back with Julian Araujo out suspended.

Cristian Pavon nearly scored in the 22nd minute, with a neat touch behind him to get the ball, before unleashing a shot that took a deflection off an RSL defender before clanging off the post.

All in all the first half was pretty quiet otherwise for both teams, and they were pretty even in terms of possession and (half-)chances.

LA almost scored right after the hour mark, but a shot off dos Santos’ cross by Feltscher clanged off the crossbar, and while Chicharito was present to tap it in, he was clearly offside and the goal was waived off.

It got worse, as the Galaxy gave up a penalty a few minutes later, David Bingham taking out Justin Meram in the box on a breakaway. Albert Rusnak stepped up and scored the penalty for RSL to make it 1-0, Bingham getting a hand to it but unable to stop it.

RSL doubled their lead in the 72nd minute, as Damir Kreilach smashed in a one-timer off Rusnak’s centering cross.

Chicharito played 80 minutes but could not find the game, as he didn’t register an official shot on the night. I know many are ready to write him off as a bust, but LA are not working the ball around like they were in the initial 4-5 games of the local restart, and to me, that’s the bigger issue than the player himself as he works back into shape.

Beyond that, if the attack overall was able to convert some chances, the defensive breakdowns wouldn’t be as costly. It always hurts to concede, but this was a game there for the taking and RSL took it from the Galaxy, basically.

LA are next set to take the field again Sunday against the Seattle Sounders. The Sounders are flying right now, but in this weird 2020 season anything can happen and we’ll see how that game shapes up to be. Should be another interesting clash.

What do you think? Leave a comment below.