After losing the previous time they met, the L.A. Galaxy got their revenge in a 1-0 tight game against the Seattle Sounders on Saturday, March 30. With this win the Galaxy are now on a 6-game unbeaten streak to start the 2024 season.
Los Angeles came out rolling with a 4-minute score by winger Gabriel Pec assisted by winger Joseph Paintsil. Pec blasted a one-touch shot that came off the hands of Seattle’s goalkeeper Stefan Frei. This was Pec’s first MLS career goal and Paintsill’s second assist of the season.
Both Pec and Paintsill were brought in the latest winter’s transfer window for high fees to be in LA’s starting XI. Pec was Galaxy’s club-record transfer fee worth $10 million and Paintsil’s fee was worth around $9 million. Pec, Paintsil, and ex-Barcelona player Riqui Ruig count as Galaxy’s designated players. MLS clubs are only allowed to have 3 DPs.
The crowd was roaring from the jump even with not-so-favorable weather conditions. The rain started to pour heavily midway through the second half.
LA Galaxy fan Jeremy Barahona said this year’s squad is different from previous years.
“It was my first time being in the rain as a Galaxy fan but the atmosphere got way better since last year,” Barahona said. “I went to a game last year and (it was) way better man, way better players. I love it 10 out of 10.”
During the first half center-back Martin Caceres suffered a thigh injury and had to be substituted for Salvadoran national team player Eriq Zavaleta. Caceres was able to walk off the pitch under his power, showing that the injury wasn’t too serious.
The first half ended with the Seattle Sounders not being able to exert much success. The Sounders also didn’t fare much better in the second half.
The visitors shot 16 times but only managed to have 2 on target while Galaxy took their chance and scored with only 2 shots. Sounders also had more possession with 54% compared to Galaxy’s 46%.
Galaxy Goalkeeper Jon McCarthy had 3 saves including a crucial save in the 65th minute by Sounders striker Danny Musovski.
But not all fans were excited with this win.
LA Galaxy fan Marcos Del Agua said this wasn’t a clean game by Galaxy.
“We won but we played pretty sloppy, should have been 1-1 or 2-1. We didn’t have possession of the ball too much, but I’ll take the win and the three points,” Del Agua said. “The key was trying not to fall down (the rain) and seeing everyone slipping and falling I was like damn.”
Currently, Los Galacticos stand in 1st place in the Western Conference with a game lead on the Vancouver Whitecaps and tied with Cincinnati for the best record in the league.
Galaxy hasn’t seen this level of success since 2014 when they managed to lift the MLS Cup and had U.S. men’s national team legend Landon Donovan. The last time the Galaxy made the playoffs was in 2022 but weren’t able to move past the Conference Semifinals.
“The plays, the chemistry, the passing, and the communication were all key,” Barahona said.
Galaxy’s next game is the “El Trafico” derby against LAFC at BMO Stadium on Sat, Apr. 6. kickoff at 4:40 p.m.