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Galaxy’s stingy defense leads to victory over LAFC

July 5, 2023

Original LA Galaxy mascot Twizzle waves the victory flag at the end of an MLS soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

Los Angeles FC forward Kwadwo Opoku, center, heads the ball against the LA Galaxy during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy midfielder Douglas Costa chases the ball against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

A LA Galaxy fan holds up a sign prior to the start of an MLS soccer match against the Los Angeles FC at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

A soccer fan holds up an American flag prior to the start of an MLS soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy supporters ignite red flairs during the second half of an MLS soccer match against the Los Angeles FC at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

Fireworks explode while the national anthem plays to a record breaking 82,110 fans in attendance prior to the start of an MLS soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC enter the field, to a record breaking 82,110 fans in attendance, prior to the start of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond (1) catches the ball in the air against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

Los Angeles FC goalkeeper John McCarthy, left, makes a save off a kick by LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljić, right, vies for the ball with Los Angeles FC defender Giorgio Chiellini during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

Los Angeles FC midfielder Ilie Sanchez, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the LA Galaxy during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann, center, makes a stop after a goal attempt by Los Angeles FC forward Nathan Ordaz, right, during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela, right, controls the ball against LA Galaxy midfielder Mark Delgado during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

Los Angeles FC supports cheer during the second half of an MLS soccer match against the LA Galaxy at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

Los Angeles FC defender Erik Dueñas, left, moves the ball against the LA Galaxy during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

Los Angeles FC midfielder Timothy Tillman, left, kicks the ball against the LA Galaxy during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy defender Raheem Edwards, left, and Los Angeles FC forward Kwadwo Opoku chase the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

Los Angeles FC head coach Steve Cherundolo look on during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney looks on during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy defender Calegari, front, chases after the ball defended by Los Angeles FC midfielder Ryan Hollingshead during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

Los Angeles FC midfielder Ryan Hollingshead, left, moves the ball against LA Galaxy midfielder Tyler Boyd during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

Los Angeles FC defender Giorgio Chiellini kicks the ball against the LA Galaxy during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig kicks the ball against the Los Angeles FC during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig, center, moves the ball between Los Angeles FC defenders during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljić celebrates with a rose in his mouth after defeating the Los Angeles FC at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig celebrates after scoring the winning goal against the Los Angeles FC during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy defender Raheem Edwards, left, battles Los Angeles FC midfielder Timothy Tillman during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy defender Calegari heads the ball against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga, left, controls the ball against LA Galaxy defender Calegari during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig, front, is held by Los Angeles FC midfielder Ilie Sanchez during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy midfielder Douglas Costa, center, vies for the ball with Los Angeles FC midfielder Kellyn Acosta, left, during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy midfielder Tyler Boyd celebrates after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig celebrates with a rose in hand at the end of an MLS soccer match against the Los Angeles FC at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig, left, jumps in the air after scoring the winning goal against the Los Angeles FC during the second half of an MLS soccer match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. LA Galaxy won 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr., Contributing Photographer)

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PASADENA — The attacking duo of Tyler Boyd and Riqui Puig stole the show during the Galaxy’s 2-1 victory over the 2022 MLS defending champion LAFC, but the Galaxy took a step in the right direction in an area where the team has struggled this season.

Even on a night where it seemed like the offense was flowing, it was the Galaxy’s work on defense that won them the game.

“I think we’re just fighting. I think we’ve got each other’s backs, we’re a family,” said attacker Tyler Boyd on the team’s defense. “You saw how much it meant to us tonight and we all celebrated it together. It’s not one player. It’s not me scoring. It’s the team and I think we’re actually playing like a team and we’re building on that.”

Coming into Tuesday’s matchup, the Galaxy were in the bottom half of the league in almost every defensive category. They ranked 26th in tackles won, 26th in clearances, 22nd in blocks, 22nd in interceptions and 9th in defensive errors.

But against LAFC, the Galaxy looked much sharper on the defensive end.

Though LAFC recorded 16 crosses and 6 corner attempts, the Galaxy held their ground. L.A. won 12 tackles, cleared the ball 21 times and recorded 7 saves to stifle the usually efficient LAFC offense.

It started with the Galaxy’s backline of Raheem Edwards, Chris Mavinga, Kelvin Leerdam and Lucas Calegari.

Due to injuries and international duties, this group of defenders has had to change tactics in the past few games. Two weeks ago, the Galaxy went to a 5-3-2, but in the past two games, the group went back to its traditional four-man defensive formation.

The four defenders kept LAFC’s attackers in check as Carlos Vela and Denis Bouanga had a tough time finding their spots to attack.

When the LAFC duo did get a clean look, the Galaxy’s last line of defense stepped up in big moments.

Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond saved two shots in the first half, both shot by Bouanga and assisted by Vela, that could have potentially given LAFC the lead early. When Bond couldn’t come back to the pitch in the second half due to a hamstring injury, the Galaxy defense did just enough with Jonathan Klinsmann filling in at goalkeeper to escape with the win.

The stout defense often turned into opportunities offensively for the Galaxy.

On the decisive Puig goal that put the Galaxy up 2-1 at the 73rd minute, the play was started when the Galaxy blocked a shot from Giorgio Chiellini that led to Puig and Boyd leaking out into the open field.

The defense from the Galaxy has gotten better during the team’s six-game unbeaten streak. Midfielder and Captain Gastón Brugman said the team is in a much better place than they were at the beginning of the season.

“After that tough start, obviously none of us were happy and I think that was clear,” Brugman said. “We all had a meeting, and we solved the issues that needed to be solved. I think you can see that on the field that you know, we’re united and we’re all fighting for each other and we’re fighting for the team and our teammates.”

Beating LAFC in front of 82,110 fans was sweet, but the performance the Galaxy showed defensively could be something the team can build on in the coming weeks. The Galaxy’s next two opponents are Philadelphia and Vancouver who are both top 10 in goals scored this season.

“There’s still some pieces and some things that we need to do to get back to where we want to be, which is ultimately competing for championships every single year not digging ourselves out of the position that we’re currently in,” said coach Greg Vanney. “But getting ourselves back into that real discussion … It certainly is going to feel good and give us another platform to try to take another step forward this weekend.”

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Orange County Register

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Galaxy’s stingy defense leads to victory over LAFC

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