Seattle Sounders Can't Find A Win Against the LA Galaxy

Although there were a few flares of hope in the second half, particularly Steve Zakuani’s goal and Freddie Ljungberg’s near-miss, the own-goal by James Riley closed down any hope of the Sounders coming away from LA with a win.

Seattle now returns home, but will meet the Galaxy again in just three days. The Sounders play an Open Cup match against LA at Starfire on Wednesday, July 7th.

From the tone in Sigi Schmid’s voice when he spoke with Arlo White 30 minutes into the match, it’s clear that the Sounders coach knows that there is a significant problem on the field. The midfield couldn’t keep possession, and, save for a couple smart moves from Jeff Park and almost-flawless defending by Leo Gonzalez, the defense is almost laughable. While Schmid has next to no options remaining in defense, we should expect to see changes elsewhere on the field. With any luck, Vagenas and Noonan will remain on the bench for the Open Cup match.

Miguel Montano Replaces Freddie Ljungberg

Montano is young but he’ll likely be fantastic soon. So you can probably watch the fireworks instead.

James Riley Scores, But For LA Galaxy. Seattle 1-3 LA

James Riley tries to clear a shot from Alan Gordon, who had a free run into space and toward the goal. Riley did well to get back but rather than clearing the ball away from the net, he managed to hit the ball on to his own knee and could only watch as the ball bounced behind Kasey Keller and into the Sounders net.

This match is very, very painful. You should probably go watch fireworks.

Steve Zakuani Scores, Seattle 1-2 LA

Steve Zakuani picked up a pass from Fredy Montero, completely flummoxed a Galaxy defender, and zipped on Ricketts to slide the ball into the next.

Zak’s goal is only the fifth goal that the LA Galaxy has conceded this season.

Michael Seamon Comes On For Pete Vagenas

Thank you for listening, Sigi.

Juninho Scores for The Galaxy, Seattle 0-2 LA

Confetti flies through the air after the Brazilian Juninho scores from about thirty-five yards. I can’t even be angry because wow, that was one of the most amazing shots I’ve seen in MLS.

Nate Jaqua Replaces Pat Noonan

Thank goodness.

Halftime Show With Kirsten

For the first 35 minutes, the Galaxy absolutely hammered the Sounders, and it felt as though Seattle couldn’t get into the LA half. For the last ten minutes, Seattle found a way to grab a bit of the possession, an the game hasn’t felt quite as hopeless.

Still, this match has not been pleasant for a Sounders fan. The players almost appear as though they have no idea what their next move should be, and much of the time the defense resorts to simply booting the ball up the pitch. The midfield has been nearly absent. Pat Noonan, for some unfathomable reason, is playing forward. He has whiffed two chances on the ball.

The bright spot of the first forty-five minutes has been the play of Fredy Montero, who has been both doubling back to help in defense and showing some beautiful, intelligent footwork. The problem is that he’s rarely had a chance to play with the ball.

It’s time to remove Noonan and put in Jaqua, and I’d also say take off Vagenas and put in Seamon.

Thirty Minute Check-In With Sigi Schmid

Sigi says the Sounders have been horrible.

I have nothing to say in the Sounders defense.

Edson Buddle Scores for the Galaxy, Sounders 0-1 LA

After 18 minutes in which the Sounders barely touched the ball, a swarm of Sounders players converged near the goal and managed to force Buddle to head just wide of the goal. Barely a minute later, Buddle headed the ball past Keller for the Galaxy’s first goal.

Seattle Sounders Hope For Revenge Against The LA Galaxy

When the Galaxy came to Qwest Field earlier in the season, they dismantled the Seattle Sounders and left with a 4-0 win. Landon Donovan had 3 assists and scored one of the goals--so in addition to wanting the USMNT to advance further in the World Cup, most Sounders fans had hope that he, and his teammate Edson Buddle, would not be available for this match. Alas both players are healthy and available for this tie.

As much as I'd love to raise my flag in absolute confidence that the Sounders will conquer their demons and put up a good fight against the Galaxy, the Rave Green will have to work extremely hard to even draw this match.

But in happy news, Arlo White has returned. Although this match is being shown on ESPN 2, I'm taking solace in watching local coverage on Kong 5, where White is music to my weary ears.