Galaxy Gets Nothing on New York City

Emmanuel Boateng and the Galaxy can’t get past NYFC. (Photo by Duane Barker)

By Tim Peterson

(Carson) – New York City FC got two second half goals and a huge effort from keeper Sean Johnson to beat the Galaxy 2-0 Saturday night before 25,667 frustrated fans at StubHub Center.

Johnson was under fire all night as the Galaxy pressed him but he never allowed LA to score. The Galaxy had 21 shots overall compared to 10 for New York City and Johnson was credited with five saves.

“Obviously the guys aren’t happy with the result and either are we and either are the fans but from a soccer standpoint I thought we played really well. I thought we deserved to come out of that game with more,” said Galaxy Coach Sigi Schmid. “I thought overall we dominated the game. When you look at the chances that we created, and the corners that we got out, I thought we played really well.”

For the Galaxy their winless streak extended to eight and their overall record fell to 6-12-5.

New York City broke the scoreless tie in the 54th minute when Jonathan Lewis fired one that just did get over the outstretched hands of LA goalkeeper Brian Rowe and into the net.

NYCFC put the game on ice in the 74th minute. David Villa while racing across the middle of the field, rifled one by Rowe from distance for a 2-0 advantage and for all intents and purposes, that was the ballgame.

LA had some big chances in the first half. In the 26th minute Roman Alessandrini got by the NYCFC defense and fired a shot from the left side but it stayed left and sailed wide.

Alessandrini also had a short chip earlier in the match but Johnson was there for the save for NYC. Minutes later Dave Romney got off a shot that sailed high. Emmanuel Boateng also had an opportunity in the 31st minute but couldn’t take an advantage right in front of the box.

In the 36th minute Alexander Callens of NYCFC was hit with a yellow card for a hard challenge on Joao Pedro.

Jonathan dos Santos made his StubHub Center debut for the Galaxy. (Photo by Duane Barker)

It appeared the Galaxy would draw first blood later when Pele van Anholt ripped an absolute missile off of an Alessandrini corner but Johnson leaped up and just did get his hands on the ball and tipped it away in the 40th minute.

Two minutes of additional time were added in the first half but the teams went into the break scoreless.

Johnson continued to work his magic early in the second half as he made another big save on Boateng in the 46th minute.

Eight minutes later, Lewis scored.

In the 67th minute the Galaxy was again denied as Ashley Cole hit the crossbar right in front.

However NYCFC then iced it with Villa’s goal.

In the 84th minute Gyasi Zardes hammered one but Johnson, as he had all night, again made the save.

New York City FC improved to 13-7-4 with the victory.

“The more trainings we get in the more the guys will understand what we’re trying to do. Now it’s just a matter of us continuing to build our fitness,” Schmid said.

The loss leaves the Galaxy with just 23 points, only one ahead of last place teams Colorado and Minnesota United in the West with 11 games to play.

 

 

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