Los Angeles Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls: Rating the Galaxy Players

Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy are a highly skilled team. They are highly skilled at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. In Major League Soccer (disclaimer: this is the View’s official conjecture), teams that elect to not give themselves any chances of winning any trophy, make the postseason with style, or get the designated player designed to save their season are blessed (or is that cursed?) with this ability.

May 19, 2013; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill (17) (center) celebrates scoring the game winning goal during the second half against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Red Bulls Arena. Red Bulls won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a shame that teams with this talent do not get awards for this, and they shouldn’t. Absolutely not. The Galaxy were just minutes away from getting the full collection of results on their road trip. Also known as, one good header, or one solid touch away from the promised land.

And it all fell to pieces thanks to a little “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!” from former Everton bookend Tim Cahill. Los Angeles could get used to being this non-clutch. With that said, here are the player ratings for the Los Angeles Galaxy after another teeth-gnashing, mind-blowing, head-banging, world-shaking…1-0 defeat. To New York.
Carlo Cudicini 1

No need to point out his stats on the Opta Chalkboard. Bruce, the writing is on the wall. Bring in Brian Rowe. Once again, bring in Brian Rowe. That is an order from the View.

Omar Gonzalez 5

Eight interceptions, seven recoveries and three clearances. The irony for Gonzo is that the crowds were chanting “US Reject!” Now, while they were targeted toward Landon Donovan, the point should be clear: Gonzalez is not a US Reject. Of course, if he was, he probably would be ready to start next weekend. I guarantee it.

A.J. DeLaGarza 5

Did everything he could to frustrate Fabian Espindola and he did his job with a vigor, making eight clearances, five interceptions and six recoveries.

Sean Franklin 5.5

10 recoveries, four interceptions, four clearances, and a 77 percent pass success rate on 65 touches. Manned the right side with authority.

Todd Dunivant 4.5

Five interceptions…seven recoveries…and a 60 percent pass success rate? You haven’t arrived yet, Iron Man, but you’re on your way and that’s what matters.

Juninho 2

Injured and hacked early and he could be out of commission for a while.

Rafael Garcia 4

77 percent pass success rate on 30 touches, and only five recoveries for Garcia, who could only do so much to fill in for Juninho.

Hector Jimenez 4

83 percent pass success rate and four recoveries for Jimenez, but he just couldn’t find his stride like he did against Philadelphia.

Landon Donovan 3

The price an accomplished player pays for allowing a crowd to strip him bare and deprive him of any dignity he had left coming into the match…is immense. For Landon Donovan, who was left out of the USA Men’s National Team by Jurgen Klinsmann, he felt the price he had to pay and realized that the boss knew what he was doing all along.

Marcelo Sarvas 5

Also feeling the burden, albeit of a different kind, was Marcelo Sarvas. He had an 81 percent pass success rate on 54 touches, six recoveries, three clearances and four tackles won that came off having to man the midfield following Juninho’s demise at the hands of Juninho Pernambucano.

Robbie Keane 4

More details on this…in due time.

Jose Villareal 3

No shots on goal for Jose VIllarea, and a 64 percent pass success rate on just 14 touches. When will Bruce get the memo and start this guy…

Gyasi Zardes 6

Man of the match, despite not acquitting himself with his poor touches and lack of finish off the bench. Once Zardes gets to start a match in place of Villareal, the Galaxy might be able to go on a tear for once. Until then, a stark pipe dream is stark.

Greg Cochrane NR

Came into the game late, no rating given.