What LA Galaxy need to address for this MLS season

Los Angeles Galaxy once again staged a comeback to salvage points at home on Saturday night against Real Salt Lake, the Western Conference leaders. In the dying moments of the match, Riqui Puig delivered a cross into the box to find Miguel Berry, who stretched his right leg out to poke the ball into the net, securing a 2-2 draw.

The Galaxy players once again showed their determination and effectiveness in the latter stages. In 12 matches, they have netted 23 goals, ranking as the second-highest scoring team in the 2024 Major League Soccer season, just behind Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on 35 goals. However, their main concern lies in defense, as they have conceded 19 goals, nine of which were at the Dignity Health Sports Park, a puzzle that coach Greg Vanney has yet to solve.

Galaxy imploding: LA’s defensive struggles

“I believe we still need to be able to manage adversity a bit cleaner within our group. When you find yourself trailing by two, it becomes a different challenge,” Vanney said. “Now it’s about fighting to get back into the game and remaining undefeated, focusing on achieving one goal at a time to get back into the match. At the end of the day, I’m pleased that we scored in the final play and secured a point.

“At home, we started very well through the season, and in previous matches, we were able to score goals early, setting a good tone. But tonight, we couldn’t finish. I think this group has shown resilience and fight. When we try to force ourselves back into the game, we become more vulnerable,” he added. “It’s about trusting the process, and when all the guys are fully committed, I feel the game flows very well. It’s just a matter of us managing ourselves emotionally throughout the course of the game.”

Under Vanney’s guidance, the team remains undefeated at home with two victories and three draws. Their next match will be against Minnesota United at the Allianz Field on Wednesday.