Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Chivas USA: Rating Robbie Keane’s Performance

There has to be a first time for everything. In the case of Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane, it’s a bad game. That was the case for Keano, who had no Luck of the irish as Bruce Arena’s Galaxy drew 1-1 with Jose Luis Sanchez Sola’s Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Mar 17, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Chivas USA and Los Angeles Galaxy players react after Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7) received a yellow card in the second half at the Home Depot Center. Chivas USA and the Galaxy played to a 1-1 tie. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

What happened here, Captain Keane? This is the type of performance that will doom the Galaxy as a team against the likes of Monterrey. Keane failed to pad the stats because he was held in check by a relative unknown by the name Bobby Burling…a former member of the San Jose Earthquakes.

We’re talking, according to the Opta Chalkboard, a 63 percent pass success rate, an unsuccessful flick-on, three unsuccessful crosses, only one through ball, four lay offs and two headers. No shots period, only one recovery…a foul conceded and a yellow card.

Keane was effectively taken out of his game. And there is no excuse for this type of performance when the big names start to come in later in the season. As the only DP starting for Los Angeles, it was the job of the rest of the supporting crew to help him out, and it was Keane’s responsibility to help himself out. See? No Luck of the Irish required. Just a simple running of the system that helped Los Angeles against Chicago and Herediano.

Keane’s poor play and inept leadership, triggered a bout of frustration leading to his caution, and this is something unbecoming of a captain who knows better than to let his country down on one of the most important days in its history.

3.17 is not a rating I give by rule on my player ratings, though it would be nice since it is, after all, March 17. So, as an alternate, the rating will be rounded off. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Robbie Keane. Have a little of this to cure your Herediano Hangover.

Slainte.

Rating: 3/10