CARSON — For a brief moment, the Galaxy entertained hope of a comeback draw or even a win.
Then, as has been the case all season, the unluckiest of moments struck the team.
Defender Emiro Garces was called for a foul on Jonathan Rodriguez that resulted in a penalty kick, which Rodriguez would convert in the 76th minute, essentially ending the rally, handing the Galaxy a 4-2 defeat in front of 21,215 at Dignity Health Sports Park Sunday.
“We started to build ourselves back in the game at 3-2 and I felt like we had all the momentum and we were going to keep creating chances and just kind of out of the blue a penalty call …I haven’t seen it, but for sure in the run of it live, I didn’t see a penalty.
“It felt like a pretty even challenge, which they were going on around the field many times. At best, it was 50-50 and soft, you call it, it’s hard to overcome, you don’t call it, nobody says anything ever. Those should not dictate games. At 4-2, it’s a much bigger hill to climb.”
The loss extends the Galaxy’s winless streak in MLS to 10 games (0-7-3). The lone win this season came in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 against CS Herediano.
Things looked bleak for the Galaxy on Kevin Kelsy’s goal in the 63rd minute, giving Portland a 3-0 lead.
“I trust the guys, we have some good moments in some good stretches and then we’re a little snake-bit and sometimes create our own issues,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “I like our group, we have to keep working and find the solutions.”
The Galaxy managed to respond quickly. Christian Ramirez scored in the 67th minute and Marco Reus followed in the 69th, bringing life into the stadium.
Then came the turning point. Garces and Rodriguez appeared to get their feet crossed. Rodriguez went down at the first contact, and referee Filip Dujic pointed to the penalty spot. Rodriguez stepped up and converted, giving the Timbers the 4-2 lead.
In response to the pool reporter question, Dujic said: “LA Galaxy No. 25 (Garces) committed a foul by kicking the Portland player in the back of the leg. He did not play the ball. The VAR (video assistant review) did not see a clear and obvious error.”
“The way we concede the goals, it’s too easy for us,” Galaxy midfielder Marco Reus said. “The details make the difference. It starts in the training. Training has to be more quality every day. When you do, you can build for the weekend. We need more mentality and we have to hate losing.
“Small details … when we lose, it’s not because the other team is much, much better. It’s part of football, but its unnecessary mistakes.”
The teams played to a 1-1 draw last month in Portland.
The Galaxy will be on the road for their next three games, visiting Sporting Kansas City (May 4), New York Red Bulls (May 10) and Philadelphia Union (May 14). The next home game is May 18, the first El Trafico meeting with LAFC.
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