Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo: Rating the Galaxy Players

From an evaluator’s perspective, it’s difficult to grade a performance by any team after a defeat. But, fair-but-firm scores are the name of the game here at the View from Avalon, and Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy failed to make the grade on Cinco De Mayo against Dominic Kinnear’s Houston Dynamo. In fact, this team didn’t even try.

May 5, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Houston Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear celebrates the 1-0 victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Home Depot Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The 1-0 defeat to the Dynamo is deceptive. It could have easily been a 1-1 draw, and it could have easily been a more decisive result for the Men in Orange. But, we’re talking about the Galaxy’s end of the bargain, and Houston closed shop through clutch, textbook defending after Andrew Driver drove one past Carlo Cudicini in the 56th minute of play.

By rule, low scores are a general norm for defeats. In short, it could have been worse and it should have been worse, but it’s just a 1-0 defeat for Los Angeles. Here are the player ratings for the Los Angeles Galaxy against the Houston Dynamo.
Carlo Cudicini 5

Only two saves and a punchout, according to the Opta Chalkboard, to go with a 68 percent pass success rate. Cudicini gets a deduction for giving up a goal.

A.J. DeLaGarza 4.5

77 percent pass success rate, nine clearances and two recoveries. Nothing too remarkable from DeLaGarza on the night.

Omar Gonzalez 6

Man of the match here on the View from Avalon, although the overall man of the match is Tally Hall. 74 percent pass success rate, 10 clearances, eight recoveries and two blocked crosses.

Greg Cochrane 4

May 5, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena watches game action against the Houston Dynamo during the second half at Home Depot Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

A 58 percent pass success rate, six clearances, four interceptions and four recoveries. Cochrane needs to work on his passing, and he will continue to be fixture in the back.

Sean Franklin 1

Can’t stop the likes of a player on loan named Andrew Driver, Mr. Sean Franklin? No worries, the View from Avalon will give you a worthy consolation prize: the honor of… Goat of the Match. Despite five clearances, nine recoveries and an 80 percent pass success rate, Franklin’s efforts are more than offset by his failure to mark Driver, which led the to the game-winner for Houston.

Landon Donovan 2

Here’s a thought, Landon Donovan: Stop. Taking. Penalties. The only other stat of note is his nine recoveries and his 77 percent pass success rate. But his poorly taken penalty irreversibly changed the dynamics of the match for the Galaxy. Landon, if you’re even going to try your luck at this, do it with the reserves. I mean, it’s not like L.A. Blues goalkeeper Carl Woszczynski is anywhere close to Tally Hall’s league…right?

Mike Magee 4

Tough night for Mike Magee, who had eight recoveries, a dismal 69 percent pass success rate and three clearances. Magee was playing on kryptonite on Sunday.

Juninho 5

May 5, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; MLS official Allan Chapman officiates game action between the Houston Dynamo and Los Angeles Galaxy during the second half at Home Depot Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

A 78 percent pass success rate, a 50 percent cross success rate, four recoveries and three interceptions equated to another average night for Juninho.

Marcelo Sarvas 5.5

A workhorse despite the outcome, Marcelo Sarvas had 10 recoveries, a 72 percent pass success rate and five interceptions.

Jose Villareal 3

Held at check by a stingy Houston back line despite a 66 percent cross success rate and a 50 percent flick on success rate.

Charlie Rugg 3

A rookie that is still learning the tricks of the trade, Rugg was a non-factor on Sunday and will need more time with the reserves.

Gyasi Zardes 2

Came into the game as hype, came out of the game as hype. Has yet to make a breakthrough performance. Don’t expect it to come any time soon.

Hector Jimenez NR

Came into the game late, no rating given.