Los Angeles, CA – The StubHub Center was packed and rocking Saturday night, but the fans energy showed little effect on the LA Galaxy, as they were unable to break through the net and fell to Atlanta United FC 2-0.
The Galaxy have only netted 1 goal in its last 3 games.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his first home start after making his first start with the club last week against the Chicago Fire.
Galaxy failed to establish much of a rhythm offensively and spent majority of the match defending. Ibrahimovic was a non-factor
LA had the first opportunity of the game to take the lead but didn’t create many more dangerous attacks after. Midfielder Sebastian Lietget’s volley from a cross went just wide left at the 11 minute mark.
8 minutes later, Atlanta United earned a penalty kick when a Daniel Steres slide tackle in the box brought down an Atlanta United player. Atlanta was unable to capitalize at that moment; Josef Martinez’s shot hit the left post and squirted out.
Martinez would make up for his error in the 22 minute of the match. Martinez was in the right place at the right time and tapped in the ball after a shot by Julian Gressel hit of the top right post.
Atlanta led 1-0 at halftime and LA didn’t do much to change its performance in the second half.
The Galaxy had 7 shots with only 1 on goal. Atlanta had 19 shots with 7 on goal.
Jonathan Dos Santos was a late scratch from the game. Galaxy Head coach Sigi Schmid said Dos Santos consulted with his people, including his brother and decided he wasn’t good enough to go.
Giovani Dos Santos made his return tonight from injury entering the match in the 66th minute.
“His first game back, it was tough for him to find a rhythm and coordination with the rest of the guys,” said Schmid.
Galaxy’s next chance to get back in the winning column will be next Saturday when they welcome the New York Red Bulls.