CARSON, Calif. -- Few things in life are an absolute certainty. But considering the fact that MLS matches featuring the Los Angeles Galaxy are averaging a little more than 4.2 goals per contest, one can pretty much count on getting their money's worth when the Galaxy take to the field.
The Galaxy have scored 31 goals this season, seven more than their next closest competitor. They feature the top two scorers in the league in Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle. David Beckham and Donovan are tied for second in assists. But as prolific as the Galaxy offense has been, the defense has been equally porous.
The Galaxy have the worst defensive mark in the league, having allowed 24 goals in their 13 games. It's a stat that came back to bite LA this past weekend, as it allowed three second-half goals and squandered two separate leads in allowing Columbus to take a share of the points in a 3-3 thriller at The Home Depot Center.
Because of results like last Saturday's, the Galaxy offense is starting to feel a bit of pressure.
"When you don't put (teams) away you start to wonder if they get one back are they going to get two back and so on," said Beckham. "It's what we've been talking about, not giving anything away. It's not just the defense. Defending starts up front, then the midfield, and obviously the back four."
Despite the disappointment from last weekend, the Galaxy are still riding a three-game unbeaten streak, tying the best mark on the season thus far. While he was frustrated by the draw against Columbus, head coach Ruud Gullit feels as though his team is progressing.
"In the beginning of the season, we lost these games in the last couple of minutes. Therefore, it's at least something positive," said Gullit. "We could have killed the game much earlier and that is unnecessary, so you have the feeling that you threw away two points."
The Galaxy have made some progress in that regard. LA has twice allowed a goal in the final 15 minutes of a game that has led to a one-goal loss, while twice the opposition has scored goals in the final quarter-hour that has directly resulted in draws. Still, there seems to be a lack of urgency defensively as a team, something Los Angeles is still addressing.
"It's a learning process for all the team and all the players," said Beckham. "We'll get better at it." In the meantime, Los Angeles is in a position where they still feel as though they need to outgun their opposition instead of relying on shutting down the opposition. From a fan's perspective it's great to come out and see a goalfest, but from the Galaxy's perspectiveb, they'd rather trade a few style points for points in the standings.
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