By Alex Baker
The Los Angeles Galaxy were thrashed 4-1 at home in the CONCACAF Champions League by the Puerto Rico Islanders Tuesday night. After a tremendous start to the season the LA side has been struggling of late.
Last week they drew 2-2 with the San Jose Earthquakes and registered a narrow 2-1 victory over DC United. Prior to that they’d suffered a two losses in a row to the Seattle Sounders and the New England Revolution respectively.
Just as they had during last weeks “Clasico” against the Earthquakes, the Galaxy spent large portions of the evening chasing the match. They looked very strong for the first twenty minutes or so, forcing the visiting side onto their back foot. However by halftime the Islanders had basically left the MLS league leaders in the dust.
A shaky backline and first half goals from David Foley and Nicolas Addlery effectively handed the reins of the match to the Islanders. A second half goal from Addlery and another from Josh Hansen combined to result in the Galaxy’s single worst loss of the season thus far.
The Galaxy’s lone goal was an own goal that resulted from Edson Buddle’s 83rd minute close range effort being deflected off Puerto Rico defender Richard Martinez.
The Islanders will go into the second leg of the match-up at home with a comfortable lead. The Galaxy meanwhile will go into the match again having to chase a result. Tuesday’s embarrassing loss should lead Bruce Arena’s men to ponder why it is they seem intent on giving up early goals a la Team USA, of late.
In other team news, transfer rumors regarding Ronaldinho’s arrival seem to have cooled in the last week or so. The Brazilian looks set to extend his contact with Milan. Landon Donovan on the other hand is still apparently on the radar of both Manchester City and Everton in the EPL.
Galaxy’s next regular league outing is Sunday at home against the Chicago Fire. The second leg of their tie against the Islanders will be played away on August 7th.
