Ask just about any defender in MLS and they will tell you that defense is almost as much about attitude as it is about ability. A quick look at the Los Angeles Galaxy and one is led to believe the defense has been getting the job done -- having allowed just six goals in six games in all competitions.
But, on closer examination, a disturbing trend is occurring with the Galaxy. They are struggling on set pieces and balls sent in from the wing. It was a problem last season as well, and against New England last Saturday the problem was glaring. The Galaxy lost that game 3-2, with all three goals originating on balls played into the box from the flank.
It's a problem that's easily fixed provided the men on the field can get the right mindset. Defending crosses, whether from a set piece or on the run of play, really has little to do with tactics -- it's about tenacity and wanting the ball more than the attacker wants to score.
"What are the tactics? Keep your line high and stay with your man. It's one-on-one matchups and you've got to be accountable," said veteran defender Chris Albright. "I totally think (defending set pieces) is mentality. You can get away with a fair amount of stuff on defense as a defender on set pieces in the box. If you don't use that to your advantage and make sure you guy doesn't get in a position to score then that's on you."
It's a problem that hasn't gone unnoticed by head coach Frank Yallop either. Yallop sounded as frustrated as he ever has as Galaxy head coach following the New England loss.
"Set plays have not been good. Most teams I coach are usually good on set plays. It's a mindset," said Yallop. "It's not that difficult. We've worked on it, we've talked about it, but you've got to want to do it."
Yallop and the front office made at least one move to get better on the backline, when earlier this week they announced the signing of Portuguese international Abel Xavier from English Premiership side Middlesbrough. Xavier won't be eligible to play for Los Angeles until June 15. Until then, the current veteran leadership will have to step up.
"I don't think it has to be anything tactical. We just need to do a better job of sorting out players that are free," said Joe Cannon, who had no hesitation in stepping forward to take his share of the blame for his side's recent struggles. "I don't know why we tend to be giving out a lot of services from the flanks. Maybe it's just a matter of us going back and looking at ourselves in the mirror."
Something is starting to sink in. Players were calling each other out in training this week, and challenging everyone from rookies to seasoned veterans to take a stake in team leadership. The Galaxy's first opportunity to prove they've gotten the message will come on Sunday against hated rival Chivas USA.
The Galaxy won the first game between the two sides, 3-1. But the lone Chivas goal was the result of a corner kick the Galaxy defense failed to clear.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
