LA Galaxy finds itself in a concerning situation. Having lost 1-0 to Costa Rican team Herediano, the Californian team will have to respond this Wednesday when they host the Costa Rican team at Dignity Health Sports Park for the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 second leg.
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If they are going to hold onto their quarterfinal hopes and, in turn, fight for qualification into the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, winning isn't a choice. To add insult to injury, Galaxy is going through one of its ugliest stretches of play in a long time. The opponent? In good health and poised to eliminate yet another MLS team.
LA Galaxy and a season falling apart
LA Galaxy fans had reasons to be hopeful at the start of the year. The arrival of Marco Reus and the rise of Gabriel Pec, voted 2024 MLS Young Player of the Year, were to give the club a new face. But things did not go as planned.
The team simply hasn't jelled. They have four straight losses in all competitions, such as a 3-0 home defeat against St. Louis CITY SC on Sunday Night Soccer. The team is struggling to find tactical balance and is plagued with injuries. Head coach Greg Vanney is trying to mess around with the team, but the results simply aren't coming.
And so now the team remains winless for the season and has to turn around the luck against Herediano at any expense. Failure of which there will be yet another disappointing year in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Herediano eyes beating another MLS team
When LA Galaxy is struggling through a crisis, Herediano is playing out-of-this-world cricket. The Costa Rican team is placed second in the national league currently, playing an outstanding season and proving everybody they are no pushovers to play against.
They have already eliminated an MLS team in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Herediano beat Real Salt Lake 2-1 on aggregate on the road in the previous round, showing no fear of playing on the road. They were also the same against Galaxy: solid defense, potent attack, and wise game management.
The team showed that they don't need the ball to succeed. Against Galaxy, they pressed tight, organized spaces, and won a landmark first-leg victory. They are now just 90 minutes from completing their business and eliminating yet another North American giant.
But there was a small warning sign last weekend. Their 14-match unbeaten streak was snapped in a 2-1 loss to Concacaf Champions Cup opponent Alajuelense. It's not a crisis by any stretch, but it shows that Herediano is not invincible.
The burden now rests with the American side
LA Galaxy expectations have never been anything but. With MLS Cup honors and international credentials, the Californian team cannot be permitted to fall out this early. But their recent games are a cause for concern, and Herediano is a team not to be underestimated.
If Galaxy can make it through, the challenge will only become more challenging. Their quarterfinal opponent will be either Tigres UANL or FC Cincinnati. But first, they must solve their own crisis.