What LA Galaxy need to address for this MLS season

The Los Angeles team has conceded 19 goals in 12 games so far this season and nine have come at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Rodrigo Serrano

Rodrigo SerranoRodASerranoUpdate: May 13th, 2024 05:27 EDT0

May 11, 2024; Carson, California, USA; Real Salt Lake defender Andrew Brody (2) and LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig (10) chase a loose ball during the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

William NavarroUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Los Angeles Galaxy once again staged a comeback to salvage points at home on Saturday night against Real Salt Lake, the Western Conference leaders. In the dying moments of the match, Riqui Puig delivered a cross into the box to find Miguel Berry, who stretched his right leg out to poke the ball into the net, securing a 2-2 draw.

Our midfield maestro 🪄@RiquiPuig records two assists tonight against RSL. pic.twitter.com/0eLLYtxHYu

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) May 12, 2024

The Galaxy players once again showed their determination and effectiveness in the latter stages. In 12 matches, they have netted 23 goals, ranking as the second-highest scoring team in the 2024 Major League Soccer season, just behind Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on 35 goals. However, their main concern lies in defense, as they have conceded 19 goals, nine of which were at the Dignity Health Sports Park, a puzzle that coach Greg Vanney has yet to solve.

Galaxy imploding: LA’s defensive struggles

“I believe we still need to be able to manage adversity a bit cleaner within our group. When you find yourself trailing by two, it becomes a different challenge,” Vanney said. “Now it’s about fighting to get back into the game and remaining undefeated, focusing on achieving one goal at a time to get back into the match. At the end of the day, I’m pleased that we scored in the final play and secured a point.

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