Here are three things we learned from the LA Galaxy’s 1-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes in the first Cali Clasico of the 2018 MLS regular season:
Back-to-back shutouts
The Galaxy have notched two consecutive 1-0 victories — Monday in Montreal and Friday at home against San Jose — giving them their first back-to-back clean sheets since their last two games of the 2016 season. Before Monday’s win against Montreal, the Galaxy had been on a four-game losing streak, in which they allowed 11 goals. Head coach Sigi Schmid advised his side to focus on defense.
“The main thing is that we’ve played to zero, and as we said at half-time we said look just keep it a zero, we’ll find a goal,” Schmid explained. “This is a team that will somehow find a goal. And, we found a goal. So, what I’m happy with is that I think defensively over the last two games, you know we’ve bent a little bit, but we’ve been stronger. Maybe luck is turning our direction a little bit.”
Alessandrini back on scoresheet
Romain Alessandrini scored for the first time since the Galaxy’s season opener March 4th against the Portland Timbers. His frustration has been apparent from week to week, especially after his struggle to find his form again after returning from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for weeks. He’s also struggled to find his role in a team where he isn’t the main playmaker, like he was for this team in 2017.
“I think that’s why I was frustrated,” Alessandrini explained of his role change. “Because last year, I was scoring more goals. This year I’m trying to be more focused when I get the ball. When I get the ball, I try to be the guy that can play 1-v-1. I try to get in a good cross or finish. My role is different this year, but I’m trying to adapt to it. Tonight it was good for me. I have to work hard to keep going and I think I’ll be better on the field next week.”
Ema Boateng brings spark
Galaxy midfielder Ema Boateng now leads the team with four assists on the season, after providing two consecutive game winning assists in the last two games. Boateng made a noticeable difference in the game against the Earthquakes, providing an increase in the tempo of the game as soon as he entered it. His assist came from him running past several San Jose players before passing the ball to Alessandrini.
“Offensively he gives us a spark, sometimes defensively it makes it a little more difficult for us,” Schmid spoke of Boateng. “But, certainly offensively today he helped us, and his running at people caused them problems.”