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It’s do or die for the LA Galaxy in this home and second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Liga MX champs Toluca FC took care of business at home, now it’s up to the Galaxy to do the same. A passionate crowd of 15,473 on hand, many in red, so the Galaxy will have a little adversity to face on their home pitch.
Lively game from the start. Ten minutes into the game Toluca capitalized on a deflected ball, when Jesus Gallardo gets a hold of the ball outside the left corner of the box and rips a shot past JT Marcinowski. Early 1-0 lead for Toluca, and now the Galaxy have to play from behind with all the pressure on them.
The urgency is being felt by the Galaxy as they are pushing forward trying to get the equalizer, but are missing that connection in the final third. LA is doing well with possession, but don’t have much to show for it. This is where they need some of that creativity and a player to create in the midfield.
Scary moment for LA in the 35th minute where a shot off the post and follow-up rebound shot that barely crosses the goal line, gets called off for offsides. Toluca putting on the pressure and trying to take the life out of the Galaxy before halftime. Galaxy tried to equalize minutes later, a clear shot by Edwin Cerrillo goes wide of the goal. Wasted opportunity.
Toluca is winning balls, taking advantage of LA’s sloppy giveaways and looking close to putting another goal on the board before the halftime whistle. Galaxy trying to survive the half.
Halftime, Toluca with a 1-0 lead. Things could have been worse for LA, so they are somewhat fortunate the score is what it is. Lots of work ahead for LA in the second half. They will need some of their key players come to life.
Second half starting out much of the same, Toluca looking comfortable and Galaxy trying to keep up. Los Angeles just can’t connect on the mark, even when they are pushing and creating a scoring chance they are a step or two behind making something happen.
Toluca was threatening and the inevitable happened near the 60th minute where a 2-on-1 break lead to a comfortable Paulinho Dias goal. Galaxy’s defense has left a lot to be desired on this night. You know the saying, you blink and you might miss something? I went to toss my empty soda can into the garbage and it’s 3-0 Toluca. It’s very much over and in bad fashion for the Galaxy. This time it’s Nicolas Castro as the culprit for the goal
Galaxy are being blown out at home in what will be the end to their nice run in the CCC. On a positive note, Joseph Paintsil makes his return after a prolonged injury. It will be a big lift for the Galaxy getting him reacclimated for league play.
The red smoke is in full effect and there are 25 minutes plus left for Galaxy to salvage something positive. This is where you rest your veterans and star players and get some younger guys some playing time against quality competition. Paintsil is looking sharp, moving well and cutting nicely. Might not be long that he’s logging in full games and providing that attack the team has been lacking at times.
On this night and over the two legs it’s clear as day that Toluca was the superior team. More skill, cohesion and technical prowess. Sometimes it’s just the right thing to tip your cap to the opponent and move forward. This should be the case for the Galaxy.
LA’s run ends with a 3-0 loss and a 7-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of Toluca FC. The better and more complete team won. There is no shame falling to a club like Toluca, who are the defending Mexican champs.
There is a silver lining for the Galaxy is that they can finally focus on MLS league play. They have been hampered by injuries, have made long trips overseas and limited practice time. The loss will sting, but league play is priority. For a team like the Galaxy, who have been struggling in the standings, need to start picking up wins in a very tough western conference.
Notes:
LA Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil made his return to game action as a second-half substitute in the match. The Ghanaian international missed the club’s previous seven matches after suffering an injury against Colorado on March 7.
Captain Maya Yoshida earned his 100th appearance for the LA Galaxy across all competitions with his start tonight.
Up Next:
The LA Galaxy get back to league play and hit the road for two matches. Galaxy will visit FC Dallas on Saturday, April 18 (5:30 p.m. PT, Apple TV) at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Four days later, the Galaxy continue their road trip to Ohio for an interconference battle against Columbus Crew on Wednesday, April 22 (4:30 p.m. PT, Apple TV) at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
