CARSON, Calif. -- Early in the second half, the Los Angeles Galaxy went two goals up on the Columbus Crew and looked as though they were on their way to a third consecutive win. Unfortunately for the capacity crowd at The Home Depot Center, Columbus fought back and tied the game with two quick goals.
Los Angeles again took a lead late in the game, but with two minutes left in the game, conceded the lead for the second time and finished with a 3-3 draw and only a share of the points.
Even though the Galaxy extended their unbeaten streak to three games and have managed to stay on top of the Western Conference standings, Saturday's result left a bitter taste in everyone's mouths.
"At the moment it feels like a loss," said David Beckham following the game. "To control the game for so long and go up 2-0. We need to learn how to finish games off."
Failure to finish games off has become a common theme with the Galaxy this season. A few weeks ago, the Galaxy took a 3-0 lead against the Rapids and conceded two second-half goals to make the final outcome a lot more nerve-wracking that it needed to be. Against the Crew, LA wasn't as lucky and paid the price.
"I think it's a pity that we gave two points away," said Galaxy head coach Ruud Gullit. "I think we worked very hard to get a good score then in such a short period of time to give it away. I think we had a lot of chances to finish them off."
When Edson Buddle scored barely more than a minute into the second half, Columbus could have wilted in the southern California heat. Instead, they responded and dominated the second half, outshooting the Galaxy 14-5 in the second period. While Los Angeles wasn't looking to make excuses, it was obvious that the team just lost control of the match.
"I seem to say this every week, it's the consistency you know," said Beckham. "We've got a lot of young players in the team. It's all about finishing teams off and holding onto leads. It just takes a bit of calmness. This team will learn from these different experiences. We've got some good young players and players who can play under pressure. At the moment, we've just lost it in a few games."
Just as the Galaxy became a little complacent after going ahead by two goals, they seemed to lose their focus after regaining the lead late in the match. Frankie Hejduk was left unmarked at the top of the 18 on a free kick from the left side of the box, allowing the U.S. international to get a clear shot on goal. While Steve Cronin saved the initial effort, the rebound was put away by rookie Steven Lenhart.
"It's unnecessary, especially the last goal. They have a man standing on the edge of the box and nobody sees him. Everyone is just busy, busy, busy with themselves," said Gullit. "Everyone was just looking around and it was so obvious."
Los Angeles did feel a bit unlucky on the night as the ball didn't seem to be bouncing their way. On Columbus' first goal, the ball took a deflection off Alvaro Pires' face and dropped right to the feet of Brad Evans, who scored from close range. On the Crew's final goal, Abel Xavier was a bit unlucky to get called for a foul on the edge of the box, which led directly to the decisive free kick.
"What was amazing to me was every bounce, every tackle went in their favor," said Gullit. "If you see the goals they scored, the ball bounced in front of their feet and they scored a goal. It was a little unfortunate in this case."
Even with the game tied at 3-3, LA had a chance to win it late. Beckham had a chance one-on-one with Columbus goalkeeper William Hesmer but sailed his effort over the crossbar.
"Sometimes they go in, others they don't. Tonight was one of those nights. Obviously I'm disappointed not to finish the game off there," said Beckham. "Personally I felt as though the grass gave way just as I struck the ball. To hit it over so far from that distance, something must have."
Despite a couple of unfavorable bounces or some close calls, the fact remains that the Galaxy had every opportunity to finish the game off early. They failed to do so and it cost them two points.
Lenhart’s energy key in comeback draw
The Bundesliga’s goal-machine
Galaxy focus on scoring at both ends
Top from start to finish
