U.S. Open Cup:Carolina RailHawks beat Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1

U.S. Open Cup: Los Angeles Galaxy Lose to Carolina RailHawks, 2-1: A Fan’s Thoughts

The Los Angeles Galaxy may have sent their reserve team to play against the Carolina RailHawks in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. However, I was still hoping the Galaxy might win and advance. At this point, any type of victory would be nice.

What Happened?

For most of the game, L.A. was ahead by one goal. In the 38^thminute, Pat Noonan scored on Chad Barrett's assist. Then, the RailHawks came back to score two goals in the final 15 minutes. Ty Shipalane got around Bryan Jordan with some fancy moves. Later, Shipalane worked Jordan again and crossed it to Brian Shriver who scored the second goal. Overall, Jordan had a hard time defending Shipalane. Yet, what is even more frustrating is the fact that we gave up our lead again. For the past three matches, we have squandered our lead.

Sloppy Errors

David Junior Lopes gave away the ball in L.A's defensive half. As a result, Jason Garey got a breakaway. Luckily, Bill Gaudette came out, got big and the shot went wide. We are lucky that the RailHawks didn't score on this opportunity. On our end, Noonan had a good shot at an equalizer but the ball went over the crossbar.

A Physical Game

Hector Jimenez went out with a knee injury. Bryan Gaul left the game with a shiner and Chad Barrett hobbled off the field. On the bright side, Leonardo, who played the whole game, was a tough defender to get around. The Brazilian was injured for almost all of the 2011 season. Hopefully, he will make it into the starting lineup for our next regular MLS game.

Other MLS Teams on the Losing End

Overall, it wasn't a good night for Major League Soccer. Along with the Galaxy, the Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, Houston Dynamo, Real Salt Lake, New England Revolution and FC Dallas posted losses on May 29. Perhaps the Galaxy might bring more starters next year to the Open Cup. Then again, perhaps our reserves should be able to pull off victories too.

It's time for Arena to make some changes. It's time for the whole team to step it up. If not, there will definitely be more losses in the Galaxy's future.

Melissa Matters is a long time Los Angeles resident and devoted Los Angeles Galaxy fan.