For the third year in a row, the LA Galaxy are once again facing the prospect of missing out on the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Galaxy had everything to play for heading into their tie at the Vancouver Whitecaps, trailing Real Salt Lake in the final Western Conference Playoffs spot by just three points, with a game in hand and a better goal differential.
RSL even lost 3-0 away at Austin FC, opening the door further. But a second-half collapse saw LA fall by the same scoreline in Vancouver, even after dominated the first half.
“It comes down to execution and I feel like we’ve allowed these opportunities to come into a game where we can execute and move ourselves into a good spot and we don’t get across the line in the way we need to,” head coach Greg Vanney said after the match.
“Again, it’s a mentality that we have to turn – turning draws into wins and things like that – and it’s time for us to press forward on that. It’s the thing that we discuss a lot with our group: taking that next big step forward to turn possession into attacks, turn attacks into goals, put teams away, move up the table. It’s all the same thing. It’s a mentality.”
Wednesday’s result ends a six-game unbeaten run for the Galaxy but even that hasn’t done much to save their season, picking up just two wins during that time and often throwing away leads or salvaging late draws.
“We were just six unbeaten, but we need to turn some of these draws into wins and our season is on the line now, so we have to do it. If we don’t do it, we don’t deserve it, so let’s go,” said center-back Derrick Williams.
Reflecting on the poor showing in Vancouver, he added: “Similar to last year, we shouldn’t even be in this position. Today was a perfect example; we dominate the ball, don’t create the chances, they score a goal, and then things fall apart. It’s frustrating, but we have to get on with it.”
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) September 15, 2022
The Galaxy don’t have to wait long to put things right. Up next is a home clash against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, before they end the season against the San Jose Earthquakes, Real Salt Lake, and the Houston Dynamo.
Now more than ever, LA need to be ruthless, putting opponents to bed in their periods of dominance and now allowing teams chances to deliver the sucker punch.
“It’s a quick turnaround, there are things to consider as we move into the weekend,” said Vanney. “To, again, turn possession into chances. Chances into goals. That’s ultimately the thing that we need to accomplish between now and Saturday. Because in these games, we have a lot of the ball. But we need to score more goals on that.
“And, again, we need to bury opposition when we have the chance to bury them. Otherwise, we can’t just let them hang around. Because we’re letting teams hang around right now.”
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