{"id":14100,"date":"2018-04-13T17:31:36","date_gmt":"2018-04-13T21:31:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonsoccer.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=14100"},"modified":"2018-04-13T18:10:31","modified_gmt":"2018-04-13T22:10:31","slug":"la-galaxy-chicago-fire-preview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2018\/04\/13\/la-galaxy-chicago-fire-preview\/","title":{"rendered":"LA Galaxy Need Minor Refinements, Not Major Overhauls, As They Prepare for Chicago Fire"},"content":{"rendered":"

Editorial<\/strong>\u00a0(April 13, 2018) –\u00a0<\/strong>After an anticlimactic 2-0 defeat<\/a> against MLS Western Conference leaders Sporting Kansas City<\/a>, the LA Galaxy<\/a> hope to catch a tailwind in the “Windy City” as they prepare to face the Chicago Fire<\/a>. Despite out-shooting SKC 19-12, the LA Galaxy ended the night with nothing but three close calls and zero points. They must look to rebound if they want to avoid a potential 2017-esque\u00a0slide.<\/p>\n

LA Galaxy Don’t Need a Major Overhaul in Preparation for Chicago Fire<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Chicago Fire vs. LA Galaxy
\n<\/b>2018 MLS Regular Season
\n<\/b>Toyota Park
\n<\/b>April 14, 2018 \u2013 12:30 pm PT
\nTV: Univision
\n<\/b><\/b>Stream: Twitter<\/b><\/p>\n

After the “Milagro de Marzo” in \u00c9l Tr\u00e1fico<\/a>, anything less than a win against Sporting Kansas City would be unacceptable for LA Galaxy fans. When the Galaxy fell behind 2-0, the universe reminded those fans about the volatility of miracles.<\/p>\n

Sporting Kansas City stayed compact after scoring two goals in quick succession. Not even the Galaxy’s new Swedish, brunette Thor could hammer one of his lightning bolts into the back of the net. SKC showed why they are perennial contenders. They refused to concede any of the late, dramatic goals the Galaxy seem to rely on these days.<\/p>\n

Regardless, the LA Galaxy’s match against SKC was a paradox of playing better than the scoreline while simultaneously playing worse than the statistics indicate. If they plan on returning home with a point, or three, they will need to do some spring cleaning in Chicago.<\/p>\n

The Fullbacks Need to Stay Back<\/h2>\n

One of the major flaws of the 2018 LA Galaxy is the inability to maintain sustained possession. The midfielders aren’t able to control the ball, and opposing teams win the ball back with a minimal press and are able to counter with success.<\/p>\n

Against SKC, the Galaxy conceded a goal directly caused by fullback positioning. In the 61st minute, Ashley Cole<\/a> steps up to mark SKC fullback Graham Zusi<\/a>. Cole creeps toward the midfield line when Roger Espinoza<\/a> sends a ball that clears all three Galaxy lines and finds Johnny Russell<\/a> running into space. That space should have been occupied by Cole.<\/p>\n

\n

Take it yourself, Johnny Russell! \u26a1 #LAvSKC<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/aUr80WyhbG<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 9, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Cole is able to recover, but he puts himself in a bad position inside of Daniel Steres<\/a>. Russell splits the defenders as Cole and Steres play a little “Night at the Roxbury.”<\/p>\n