Three takeaways from FC Dallas’ loss against LA Galaxy

Carson, CA- FC Dallas (2-5-5) suffered a devastating 3-1 loss on the road against LA Galaxy (8-0-4) Wednesday night.

A change was needed for FC Dallas after salvaging a point on Sunday night’s draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Head Coach Luchi Gonzalez said something different is needed on the road to get points.

“I think it’s important that we don’t create a separation from home and away,” said Luchi. “There’s no reason why we can’t execute what we want at home and away.”

Playing against the LA Galaxy was tough, knowing that the team lost last time they were visitors. Luchi Gonzalez mixed things up with his starting lineup with both Edwin Cerillo and Ema Twumasi starting their first MLS game this season.

Game Action

FC Dallas quickly found themselves having to defend various attempts on goal. As a result of that, they chased the ball down due to the lack of possession. FCD’s defense and attacking front had a rough start to the game. LA Galaxy managed to put two goals past Jimmy Maurer through a series of mistakes defending the goal. Dallas’ attempts were shut down perfectly by the Galaxy defense that allowing one shot off target.

Luchi’s men quickly conceded another goal early in the second half after a poor pass attempt from Ryan Hollingshead to Jimmy Maurer. Dallas managed to level off the playing field by controlling more possession and not giving LA Galaxy the chance to attack their goal. FCD was more of an attacking threat that eventually the Galaxy defense opened up.

Due to their attempts and quick thinking from Jesus Ferreira, FCD would get a consolation goal. Ferreira sent a long ball for Franco Jara to dribble past the goalkeeper and score in an empty net. Jara’s goal on Wednesday night was his second goal this season. FCD was much better in the second half, but their numerous attempts did not work the Galaxy goalkeeper much, and as a result, they could not get close on the scoreboard.

Three Takeaways from this match

One thing that was faulty in this game was the defensive shape of the team. The lack of concentration led to all three Galaxy goals. Their defensive shape has not been the finest since the season started allowing 20 goals in 11 games. They barely fall on top of Vancouver and San Jose, who’ve allowed 22 goals. When Matt Hedges returns from injury, will the FCD defense gain more strength?

Luchi’s rotations in the midfield have given different results, some good possession at times, but nothing to solidify the team as one. The constant moving of pieces can create that inconsistency, but every player should perform well in their positional role. 

The attacking front needs more character despite having 18-year-old Ricardo Pepi as the goalscorer. Franco Jara has to come in and become that number nine that the fans expect of him. They share half of the team’s goals, with Pepi having five of those himself. 

Upcoming Games

Luchi and his men suffered their fifth loss on the road this season. FCD will go on the road for their next two games, where they’ll play against Portland Timbers and Colorado Rapids. FC Dallas returns to Toyota Stadium on July 24, where they’ll face off against LA Galaxy.

FC Dallas still has time to improve their performances, but will it be too late to get the desired results? Luchi will have a whole week and a half of preparation to face another tough opponent in the Western Conference.