The LA Galaxy entered Tuesday's second-leg CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal against Santos Laguna on even terms and hopeful they could gain advancement in the competition, but the hosts ripped the Galaxy apart 4-0, winning the home-and-away series by the same scoreline.
Martin Bravo and Djaniny Tavares were the headliners on the night for Santos, as the former scored two goals and an assist and the latter added a goal and an assist. The Galaxy had a number of chances early, and forced a couple of important saves from Santos goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin, but their resolve seemed to crumble as soon as Bravo scored the night's first goal, in the 19th minute. Santos added two more in the first half and LA had no answer. Despite the scoreline, it could have been worse, as Galaxy goalkeeper Dan Kennedy had six saves in the game.
The result knocks LA out of the 2015-16 CCL. Their attention will now turn to the MLS season, which begins on Sunday against D.C. United.
Box Score
- 19' -- SAN -- Martin Bravo (Jesus Molina)
- 23' -- SAN -- Ulises Davila (Martin Bravo)
- 36' -- SAN -- Djaniny Tavares (Nestor Calderon)
- 61' -- SAN -- Martin Bravo (Djaniny Tavares)
- Full box score
- Stats
Three Things
SET PIECE WOES: Santos’ first and third goals came off of set pieces. After the Galaxy’s new-look defense played so well in the home leg last week, holding Santos scoreless, the cracks started showing in the first half of Tuesday’s game. It was a tough night all around for LA, but expect MLS opponents to try and pick on the same defensive vulnerabilities shown in this game.
UNHAPPY HOMECOMING: It was Giovani Dos Santos’ first competitive club game in his native country, and Santos fans booed him throughout the night. It seemed he could have the last laugh, saving a chance off the line in the seventh minute, his second such goal line clearance in the series. But the result likely dampened his feelings for playing under new circumstances in Mexico.
- BRAVO EARNS PLAUDITS: Martin Bravo made his name in Mexico with a long spell playing for Pumas, but he contributed in a major way on Tuesday for his latest club. Involved in three of the four goals scored, his best finish came on his second of the night, as he completed a counterattack to perfection.
They Said It
Next Up
- LA: Sunday 3/6 vs. D.C. United (10 pm ET, UniMás)
