FRISCO, TX (October 22, 2017) – The LA Galaxy finished their disappointing 2017 season with a 5-1 loss at FC Dallas. Despite getting a blow out win, Dallas are out of the 2017 MLS Cup playoffs. On the other side, the LA Galaxy finish last for the first time in club history.
Dallas Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Jesse Gonzalez — Hernán Grana, Matt Hedges, Maynor Figueroa, Ryan Hollingshead — Kellyn Acosta, Carlos Gruezo — Michael Barrios, Mauro Díaz, Roland Lamah — Maximiliano Urruti
Los Angeles Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Clément Diop — Bradley Diallo, Michael Ciani, Dave Romney, Ashley Cole — Jermaine Jones, Jonathan dos Santos — Romain Alessandrini, Bradford Jamieson, Emmanuel Boateng — Giovani dos Santos
LA Galaxy Finish Last To Claim Wooden Spoon On Decision Day
The Galaxy came out and scored just two minutes in as Michael Ciani found a corner kick from Romain Alessandrini with his head. After that, it was all FC Dallas. Set pieces were huge on the day. Roland Lamah scored tied it 1-1 on a second chance off a free kick then got his brace in the second half off a corner. Matt Hedges cleaned up an easy rebound from Clement Diop in the 41st minute.
In the second half, it was all about quick play from the home side. Michael Barrios got in behind to beat Diop to make it 4-1. Later in the half, a poor Ciani back pass forced Diop to foul Maximiliano Urruti in the box to prevent a goal. He was given a red card for a DOGSO. Mauro Díaz converted the PK and the match ended 5-1.
Scoring Summary:
2′ Los Angeles – Michael Ciani, assisted by Romain Alessandrini
37′ Dallas – Roland Lamah, assisted by Carlos Gruezo
41′ Dallas – Matt Hedges (unassisted)
49′ Dallas – Roland Lamah, assisted by Mauro Díaz
68′ Dallas – Michael Barrios, assisted by Mauro Díaz
73′ Dallas – Mauro Díaz (PK)
Playoff Disappointment:
FC Dallas came into this game probably needing a result and some help from elsewhere. San Jose Earthquakes were ahead of them on a tie breaker and controlled their destiny. Despite a blowout win, they missed the playoffs thanks to a Goonies Special by the Quakes. This result caps off what has been a historic second half collapse by a team that recorded 60+ points in each of the last two seasons.
Wooden Spoon:
If nothing else, the 2017 LA Galaxy won a trophy, sort of. This is their first last place season in club history. Thus if there was a Wooden Spoon award for Major League Soccer, the Galaxy would win it. As sad as it may seem, there could be no more fitting end to this season for the LA Galaxy than a last place finish.
