The Los Angeles Galaxy let in two goals before halftime. Meanwhile, they haven’t gotten off a shot. Mike Chabala in the 26’ and Jorge Peralta in the 33’ put the Portland Timbers up 2-0 on a Galaxy team that haven’t shown any life in the match. Chabala’s goal was assisted by Nagbe, a strike from outside the box to Josh Saunder’s right. The ball picked up a deflection on the way and that was little Saunders could do. Then came Perlata’s shot, beating AJ DeLaGarza to the ball and sliding one past Josh Saunders.
Needless to say that the Galaxy need to make significant halftime adjustments. The statistics show the Galaxy staying in the game. They control a 60% of the possession and have been more accurate in their passing, but soccer statistics often lie. The Galaxy have shown no offensive thrust to connect that midfield with the forwards. Donovan and Angel might as well have been on another planet, because that pass between the two levels just wasn’t happening.
Moving Landon Donovan back to the midfield would help, bringing in Lopez at halftime would too. Bruce Arena should also seriously consider getting Angel out and bringing in Adam Cristman.