Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond only had to make one save to secure his second clean sheet of the season as the Rapids and Galaxy played to a scoreless draw on Saturday night.
While the team came away with a point on the road, the Galaxy (3-9-6) have had its fair share of difficulties away from home this season. With this result, the Galaxy currently own a 1-5-4 record in their last 10 away games.
Their opponents, the Colorado Rapids (2-9-8) continue to struggle as well, failing to secure a win at home and experiencing their worst start in club history with only 14 points in 19 matches.
“I think there’s certain games you have to play pragmatic. In Colorado, after playing just on a Wednesday, you’ve got to play it pragmatic and set yourself up for a win,” Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney said after the result. “You also have to play the cards you’re dealt a little bit. Unfortunately we have one center back.”
The Galaxy entered the game shorthanded, missing defender Jalen Neal, who earned minutes for the US Men’s National Team against Jamaica the same evening.
LA also recently lost centerback Martin Caceres for the season due to injury just weeks after losing captain “Chicharito” Hernandez for the season as well.
During the 18th minute, he leaped to his left and deflected a powerful right-footed shot from the Rapids’ Jonathan Lewis with one hand.
In the first half, Colorado’s goalkeeper William Yarbrough saved two Galaxy shots within a span of two minutes, LA’s best two chances of opening the scoring in the period.
Both teams would mishandle golden opportunities to score in the second half.
First it was Colorado in the 53rd minute, when Connor Ronan’s cross found Andreas Maxso’s head, redirecting the ball towards the far post, but Nicholson failed to connect, and the ball rolled out of bounds
In the 85th minute, Riqui Puig of the Galaxy created a chance by stealing the ball from Ronan deep in Colorado’s territory and taking a quick shot. Bond reacted swiftly, diving to his left and deflecting the ball with his right hand.
During stoppage time, the Galaxy had one last opportunity on the counterattack, but Aaron Bibout, who was just called up from LA Galaxy II earlier this week, saw his shot sail over the crossbar.
Next, the Galaxy will travel to face the rival San Jose Earthquakes in the Cali Clasico on Saturday, at Stanford Stadium. Kick off is set for 7:30 p.m.
