Editorial (March 17, 2018) – The LA Galaxy are benefiting from an extended break as they celebrate St. Patrick’s day weekend with some rest, relaxation, and recovery following an injury-filled loss to New York City Football Club at Yankee Stadium on March 11, 2018.
Luck of the Irish Shining Bright on the LA Galaxy
Thanks in part to an unbalanced MLS schedule, the LA Galaxy are resting this weekend. After a shaky performance against NYCFC, the Galaxy needed a break. Last weekend’s 2-1 defeat confirmed the fears of Galaxy supporters. Once again, 2017’s injury bug is biting the Galaxy again. Giovani dos Santos is turning out to be a bust. In addition, the backline is a sinking boat without an oar or a bucket.
Giovani dos Santos’ Leaves Fans Feeling Unlucky
The LA Galaxy and its front office came into 2018 with the hopes that Giovani dos Santos would be reinvigorated by an extended off-season and a chip on his shoulder. Things looked fantastic for dos Santos as he came into camp in the best shape of his career.
Galaxy fans, however, were apprehensive nonetheless.
Gio Dos Santos is overrated
— Germaine (@Domaine_G) February 17, 2018
What’s more likely to happen this season: A) Gio Dos Santos looks like an actual DP on the field. B) Wiebs Jr. scores a goal in MLS. C) Own Goal leads DC United in scoring again. D) Landon goes on loan to LAFC and wins the Landon Donovan MVP award. Personally leaning towards B..
— James Chelminski (@mcJames10) February 16, 2018
I will struggle to understand anyones argument to start Gio over Lletget in the hole under Kamara.
Lletget has been lights out and Gio has been… Gio.
On MERIT alone? If you’re looking in the best interest of the club… Had to be Sebastian at the #10
— Chris Tucker (@ZeroCool138) February 18, 2018
Stats Don’t Lie
The criticism isn’t unfounded. Giovani dos Santos often goes missing in games including during the opener against the Portland Timbers where, as the attacking midfielder, he had the fewest touches of any player on the field. Dos Santos’ season looks as bad on paper as it does in person. In two games in 2018, the Galaxy playmaker has completed only 18/27 (66.7%) passes. He has yet to complete a “key pass” (a pass that leads to a shot on goal).
Due to his prolonged form, his teammates have started bypassing him in attacking build-ups as well. Giovani dos Santos ranks 16th on the team in passes per game. 16 Galaxy players have appeared in the two games this season. Only goalkeeper David Bingham has completed a lower percentage of passes this season.
With the MLS salary restrictions and his $5.5 million salary, the Galaxy are stuck between a Blarney Stone and a hard place until his contract runs out following the 2019 season.
Hopefully, some rest from his recent hamstring injury and the impending omission from Mexico’s World Cup squad will inspire the Galaxy’s highest paid player to find the form required to lead the team into the 2018 MLS Cup playoffs. Or, perhaps Giovani dos Santos simply needs a kiss from the Galaxy’s Patron Saint, Robbie Keane, to guide his left foot to goal-scoring glory.
LA Galaxy Backline Clover Missing Two Leaves
Michael Ciani is injured. Ashley Cole is suspended one game for a dubious second yellow card against NYCFC. Rolf Feltscher and Jorgen Skjelvik have been unspectacular. On a Yankee Stadium field so compressed that former Yankee Paul O’Neill couldn’t slip a groundball between defenders, the LA Galaxy found a way to concede two goals. They are lucky New York City only tallied two goals. The Galaxy often looked discombobulated. As a result, New York City dominated the game with 62% possession and outshot the Galaxy 20-7.
With the extra week of rest and preparation, the Galaxy can work in Ciani’s replacement, Daniel Steres. Steres looked strong at times in 2017, but a broken back ended his season early. He appeared fit during the preseason, and he should seek to regain his starting spot while Ciani is out.
The Galaxy will also look to allow Dave Romney to build rapport while Ashley Cole serves his one-game suspension following two yellow cards against New York City. Romney is a serviceable replacement. He played well during stretches in 2017, and he needs reps as he will be expected to rotate for the aging Ashley Cole. Resting the suspended Cole on Vancouver’s rugged turf will not hurt the 37-year-old either.
The LA Galaxy defense will need to stay compressed and organized in Vancouver if they have any hopes of finding a pot of gold in Vancouver.
LA Galaxy Benefit from Lucky Schedule
With 13 days between contests, the LA Galaxy have time to prepare for their trip to Vancouver. Injuries, suspensions, and an international call-up for midfielder Jonathan dos Santos leave the Galaxy short-handed for their trip to their northern neighbors.
Vancouver, on the other hand, travels roughly 2,200 miles each direction for their game against Atlanta United on March 17, 2018. The Galaxy must hope that the St. Patrick’s Day contest and distant travel drain the Whitecaps. A tired Whitecaps side will provide a balanced matchup against a depleted LA Galaxy.
While LA Galaxy legend Robbie Keane will not be re-joining the club to provide any “Luck of the Irish”, the Galaxy can thank their shamrocks that they have time available to rest, recover, and prepare for their next game. They will need that luck on their side as they look forward to the inaugural “El Trafico” Derby against new rivals Los Angeles Football Club on March 31, 2018.
