Post-Game Analysis: Galaxy vs. Earthquakes

By: NathanHJ | April 19th, 2009

This was the best game of the season from the Galaxy by far. For long stretches the midfield dominated possession, taking the game to the San Jose defense, resulting in 12 shots (four on goal) and three corners. The Galaxy’s make-shift frontline had consistent problems in the final thrid of the field, often failing to shoot or put the shots on frame, but the fact that the team was even in that position was something of a revelation after the first three games of the season.

Coach Bruce Arena deployed a 3-5-2, the first time I’ve seen the Galaxy line up in that formation in years. This demands a lot from the backline in terms of communication so when Chris Leitch sprang Pablo Campos behind the backline and in alone on Donovan Ricketts for the game’s first goal in the 5th minute, I had a sinking feeling about putting 37 year old Tony Sanneh in as the centerback.

But a funny thing happened at McAfee Stadium. The Galaxy showed up with a defense. The emphasis on midfield possession and the compactness of the field that can come from a 3-5-2 allowed the team to put up the best defensive game of the season and, I would have to say, a top 10 performance from the past three years.

AJ Delagarza and Omar Gonzalez continue to impress, especially 5 ft 8 in Delagarza whose slight frame would seem to be ripe for being run over. He’s still got a lot to learn, but his positioning reminds me a bit of Michael Parkhurst who shut down most attacks by being in the right place rather than by strong physical play. MLS needs more like that. Of course my praise shouldn’t gloss over the fact that his poor positioning gave up the Campos goal by keeping him onsides. Tony Sanneh, who looks to be odd man out with Berhalter’s arrival, played a more or less flawless game in the back.

This is the kind of defensive effort that the team was denied in past years because of the mediocrity of its midfield. The midfield is still mostly journeymen, but Kovalenko brings the ball-winner the team hasn’t had for a few seasons and Tudela and Miglioranzi play adequately beside him. Franklin on the right mid is still an experiement. The kid’s got talent, no question, so Arena uses him where ever he can, but I’d like to see him settle into one position. He looks uncomfortable with the change. If he could get a stable situation, he could have a season that rivals his Rookie of the Year campaign from a year ago.

The most exciting part of the game was watching Donovan and Lewis play well together. Not only was Donovan having a very dangerous game as playmaker, but his combos with Lewis were fun to watch. If the left back role gets stabilized by Delagarza or Dunivant, the team benefits immensely from having Lewis running down the left flank. Its an attacking option that has been lacking for years and it will be necessary when Donovan is out for two month this summer with the Gold Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup.

The forwards were the weakest link last night. Kirovski has solidified his place as the MLS veteran who has most not lived up to his early promise, while Magee hasn’t been able to break out of the funk he’s been in for the last two years in New York and now his first months in LA. He’s still young, 24, but at this stage I might put him up against Kirovski for that “not lived up” trophy. It’s too bad. The kid’s got talent and technical ability. He should do better after 7 years in the league.

On the other hand, Bryan Jordan’s spark off the bench was just what the Galaxy needed to tie the game up. He brings a lot of energy and heart and he seems to find his way to the ball. He could use some more technical skills – his first touch is erratic and the ball often gets tangled at his feet – but he’s a terrier and with the hard work and persistance that comes from that he could get eight or so goals this year. His first this year off the cross from Donovan was very nice. Having said all that, Buddle can’t get healthy fast enough.

Finally, let me say this about Donovan Ricketts: I love you, man. It is so incredibly amazing to actually have a goalkeeper again. Four saves on the night and three of them were of the “that was amazing” variety. And his poke across the touchline after Alvarez got around him was pure professionalism. He seemed to bang himself up a bit, so I hope that he didn’t aggravate his injuries. We need him next week at Colorado.

Overall, the team looked so much better than at any point in the season to date, despite playing with a makeshift line-up drained by injuries and suspensions. Getting a point on the road is vital and doing it by coming back from being down a goal early shows grit and determination, not to mention heart. This team won’t give up and its starting to gain in confidence. If they could score first they might actually hold the lead, though that would be new territory for them. The veterans are bringing a calm determination to the team which is helping to bring the team together as a team. Once projected starters Dunivant and Buddle get in the lineup the Galaxy is going to be a tough team to play. However, the team still needs to start piling up points. Teams with fewer than 10 wins aren’t going to make the playoffs.

Man of the Match: Donovan Ricketts (honorable mention to Landon Donovan)

Links to stories on the game:

MLSNet Game Summary, Galaxy Team Reaction, San Jose Team Reaction.

AP in The Daily Breeze

Elliot Almond at the San Jose Mercury News

AP in the LA Times (see who edits the wire story better)

What did you guys think of the game? Does is auger well for the future? Who played well? Who didn’t? Did you see things I missed? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Some Related Galaxy Posts:

Category: Player News

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charlesj27

NathanHJ,
Thanks for the post-game analysis. Good summary and thoughts. As all of you have pretty much stated... Yep - I do think this team we have now is willing to play for each other through the complete length of a game. There is a commradery there that had been missing for some time now. I know many of you are very critical of Dema - because of how much of a "Red Card Magnet" he is. But, honestly - when he plays, many of our opposition players simply do not get enough time on the ball - he forces the opposition to release the ball quickly... which tends to work out in our favor since our defensive line is not quite there yet. I beleive Bruce is changing it around, mixing it up - to see how the guys handle the line-up, subs, and positioning... I believe he is sizing up all of the guys to see who has the stones to carry out the game completely - regardless of formation, position, or opposition. It's unnerving and irritating for us, as viewers - but, there are reasons as to why he needs to do this.
Nicole,
YES - Magee and Krivski did NOT do it for me as forwards in a 3-5-2 formation. And, honestly, those are NOT the two forwards I would go with in that formation. A 3-5-2 formation requires forwards that instinctively know and can hold that deep "virtual" line in the opponents third. Right now, in their careers and their fitness level - both Kirovski and Magee are more of an attacking midfielder type of players. The issue however, is they need to be much more aggressive and challenging - and, I did not see that from them. With Alan you do get the power & strength, but the man simply cannot hold onto the ball. As soon as it leaves his feet, it's a turn-over waiting to happen. Gosh, I miss Eduardo Hurtado and the Carlos Ruiz of 2001/2002. After these past three years, I have SO MUCH MORE of an appreciation for teams that simply are stubborn and don't want to let go of certain players. It takes a good 2 - 3 years to fully realize good, talented, reliable, and consistent players. Unfortunately, MLS is a very physical league - where strength, fitness, and power are all necessary attributes. Style, charm, grace, and gift - pretty much go out the window without power, fitness, and endurance in this league. That's why I am simply amazed that Cuahutemoc Blanco, at his age, with his playing & service record - can still out-class, out-play, and out-smart faster & stronger players. Of course, the fact that he knows how to irritate and "milk calls' helps a bunch, too :)
We need to bring it big time against Colorado! We owe them bad!!!
ralphyboy

Nathan, I agree, getting a point on the road is a must. I do think we need Gordo's size to help up front and lay those punts from Rickett's off to Landon or Dema. Overall I liked what I saw, and coming from behind does show that the team is starting to gel, even though the line up is different every week. Anyone know why Klein didnt start?
Glen

oh yea, almost forget to say something on Donovan Ricketts. What a great addition to the team, finally another solid keeper. After just two games he really gives you the sense of confidence and also the feeling if the back line gets broken through there's a good chance he'll block the shot unlike the keeper we had for past year or so where you always had this sinking feeling.
Glen

Missed the game but from reading some of the posts we had a good game and came away with a much needed point on the road. We need a healthy Buddle back to help and I almost hate to say it but from the sounds of it, Gordon would have been an improvement over Magee or Kirovski.

I’m looking forward to getting Berhalter back for the next game and one of these maybe we can have a full strength squad on the field. It would be nice to have Beckham back making some great crosses in for Donovan and Buddle with our much improved midfield and defense, this could be an exciting team for sure.

One thing I have noticed is the confidence/heart has improved to come back from being down like we have in a couple matches now, nice to see.
Nathanhj

Looking at this game again, I'm struck by the number of chances we had that were botched by bad finishing or just bad runs, bad positioning or lack of general skills. Kirovski was a major offender here, but Magee also did less with more.

Also there was some lack of luck to boot.
Nicole

I agree wholeheartedly with your analysis, Nathan. Very good game by our guys. I can see we are slowly building this team and these guys are playing for each other. They seem to have a never-say-die attitude this year. I like it.

If we'd have had a better front line - Kirovski and Magee did not perform well - we could have won this game. So that is encouraging, because Kiro and Magee are not the normal starting forwards. We missed Buddle tremendously and Alan Gordon, who battles hard and does the dirty work. I think Kiro is a lost cause and needs to be dropped, but I think Magee will be a useful player for us. In fact, I think the whole rest of the team will be useful players for us.

I think Donovan is playing amazing. This is the best soccer I've ever seen him play - he's playing tough physical football and his thought process is amazing, all to go along with his great skills and technical ability. I wish the Galaxy could capitalize better on a guy with such talent who's just getting into his best years.

I'm looking forward to our next game and hopefully we'll have everyone back and available. Most importantly, our "Donovans" need to stay healthy!
Soto

The typical defensive lapses, like the one Campos capitalized on, still frustrate, but the presence of a great goalie makes up for a lot. I really enjoy watching Ricketts.

Now, we just need our old scoring back. I believe Bob is right about Buddle and Beckham (B&B?) but I don't want to wait for the return of Davie-boy before our offense takes off. Donovan and crew need to step up the scoring now.

These ties have been a nice change from the excessive losses of the last few years, but a win would be really nice.
Bob

That poke by Ricketts was amazing! I hope he will be ok to go next week. After watching this game, I wonder how much better we would be with Buddle and Beckham (who started today and has an assist at this time) on the pitch. I think Beckham would allow Landon to take more of an attacking roll, and Buddle would provide an addtional attacking threat. I feel they are almost there.