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Here are three things we learned from the LA Galaxy’s 3-2 loss at home to the New York Red Bulls:
Finding the back of the net
Goals have been elusive for the LA Galaxy this season. In this match alone, the team scored more goals than they had the rest of the month of April. Giovani Dos Santos scored his first goal of the season and first since May 27, 2017, and Ola Kamara scored his second goal of the season. Galaxy players are finally finding the back of the net, which can only lead to good things for their club.
Defense is still a problem
During the week, defender Ashley Cole made a joke during practice that the team’s defensive philosophy was to concede two goals. While he made it clear he was joking, the team has allowed at least two goals in five of their eight matches this season. If the offense is struggling to produce, the defense has to find a way to stop conceding so many goals if the team wants a chance to win games moving forward.
The Zlatan Effect
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been directly involved in five of the six goals he has been on the field for in his time with the Galaxy. A player of that caliber is expected to produce, but if the only game plan is to get Ibrahimovic the ball for him to create chances, it is going to be a long season for the LA Galaxy. The team underwent an extensive rebuild in the offseason, acquiring several attacking options fans were excited about before the big signing of Ibrahimovic. For the team to succeed, other players need to get into their rhythm and find the back of the net.