How LA Galaxy looks to return to their winning ways after defeat to Austin

Prior to Saturday's loss at FC Austin, the LA Galaxy won four of their last five games. They were alone in first place with 18 points.

Now, they are tied with Real Salt Lake. The Galaxy will face them on Sunday, May 5th. After this setback, how does LA earn another three points in the Western Conference Standings?

Improved defense & goal play

John McCarthy has allowed six goals in his last two games. That's above his season average and an easy way to lose games.

After allowing seven goals in the first three games of the season (1-0-2), the Galaxy won two of their next three games. McCarthy only allowed four goals in those three contests.

His defense must help him out, too. Strong showings Maya Yoshida, Martin Caceres, Miki Yamane and Eriq Zavoleta are called upon.

Two games ago, Zavoleta earned a red card. This forced the Galaxy to play down a man from the 70th minute until the final minute of the game.

READ MORE: LA Galaxy captain delivers resounding message following loss to Austin FC

Score and score in bunches

Often, when the Galaxy score, they do so in multiples within the same half. For instance, in their first game against San Jose on March 3rd, LA scored three goals in the first half.

In their 2-2 draw against Nashville, the Galaxy had two goals in the second half. After being down 0-2 when they played Sporting Kansas City, LA again scored three goals. This time, all three came in the second half to steal the win.

Against the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Galaxy had three second half goals, again. In the recent rematch against San Jose, they did it again with three first half goals to win 4-3.

LA has one of the best offenses in the West and Seattle is towards the bottom. However, the Sounders have allowed seven goals fewer than the Galaxy.

A tough task lies ahead. If the Galaxy want to claim another victory, scoring early and often could be the remedy to fight off back-to-back losses.