The Los Angeles Galaxy are once again in the midst of another scoreless streak. But this time around it's something to celebrate. Unlike earlier in the season, when the Galaxy had the dubious distinction of recording the third-longest offensive drought in MLS history, now they are causing the same frustrations for opposing offenses.
Los Angeles has kept a clean sheet in three consecutive games, and dating back to the 28th minute of the Galaxy's road game in New York on June 17, Kevin Hartman has not had to fish a ball out of his net for 332 minutes. The past three games are also the first three games that the Galaxy have kept the opposition off the scoreboard all season long.
Minutes-wise, if the Green-and-Gold hold Real Salt Lake scoreless for the first seven minutes of the game Saturday evening, they will take over the longest such streak in the league this season.
After the most recent shutout victory, against New York on July 4, Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop explained why his team is having so much success in shutting down the opposition.
"It's about wanting to clear the ball, wanting to put your head on the ball," said Yallop. "We were first to everything tonight."
An overall change in attitude and tactics has the whole team buying into the concept of defense, and has led to the recent success on the defensive side of the ball.
"We're playing team defense and moving the ball quick and not giving the forwards time to close us down," said veteran center back Tyrone Marshall. "We're doing the simple things well. It's a positive thing moving forward."
It hasn't all been in the back either. The Galaxy are moving the ball better in all areas of the field. With the return of players from the World Cup and the team's overall health improving, possessing the ball has become much better.
"It's not just the defense playing well," said Pete Vagenas, who made just his second start in a row on Tuesday after being out nearly six weeks due to injury. "I think (the defense) is under a lot less pressure. That speaks to our attacking players who are holding the ball better."
With the possession have come goals, and with goals have come results. The combination has given an added confidence to a team that had been struggling mightily over the first third of the season. A month ago, giving up a goal would mean a loss for the Galaxy; now, even if the defense gives up a goal, the feeling is the offense can help pick up the slack.
"I think we really believe the offense is going to get goals for us," said Kevin Hartman. "So if we're able to keep a clean sheet, we're going to get wins, not just ties. That in the back of your mind is something that makes you believe and put in that extra challenge."
The Galaxy will try and extend their shutout streak at home against Real Salt Lake on Saturday. It's another chance for the MLS Cup holders to continue their recent defensive form and again make a serious push towards yet another playoff berth.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
