CHESTER, Pa. – Considering the LA Galaxy had outscored the Philadelphia Union 13-3 over their previous three matchups, you might think they’d consider Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Philly a less-than-satisfying result.
But that was not the case at all for head coach Bruce Arena, who was happy to escape with a point on the other side of the country against a Philly side that had been off for the last 11 days.
“I give our guys credit with the travel and getting the point and playing against a rested team,” Arena said. “Overall, I think we have to be pleased to leave with a point.”
Much of Arena’s delight stemmed from the team’s two goals, both of which came off well-orchestrated passing and ended with great finishes from Robbie Rogers and Mike Magee.
Giovani dos Santos chalked up assists on both of them. And like his coach, he recognized the value of walking away with a point away from home.
“It’s always difficult to play on the road, you know,” dos Santos said. “But we are in a good way and we have to continue like this and look forward to the next game.”
The Galaxy are indeed in a good place right now, taking an eight-game unbeaten streak into an 11-day layoff.
Still, unlike past matchups with Philly, including last year’s 5-1 shellacking, the Galaxy struggled to control the game, losing most of the statistical battles and finishing with only two shots on target. There was also a layer of disappointment around the fact that they blew a second-half lead after Magee put them in front just after halftime.
“I feel it’s always difficult away from home, without all our fans,” LA defender Ashley Cole said. “We are not really used to the pitch. But going 2-1 up, you would expect us to go for the game and see it through. But it’s not to be. We lost three points and we have to look at the positives and take the point.”
Even though Galaxy goalkeeper Dan Kennedy was disappointed he couldn’t secure the loose ball in the box that led to Philly’s game-tying goal, he was also mostly content with the result – the Galaxy’s third draw away from home this season.
“It’s a tough position to be in,” Kennedy said. “Nonetheless, we came in here and got a point so it’s a solid point for us.
“We don’t lose any momentum by coming on the road and getting a tie.”
