The names and opponents changed, but unfortunately for the LA Galaxy, the result stayed the same.
The defending MLS Cup champs were knocked out of the US Open Cup by the Carolina RailHawks on Tuesday, bowing out of the competition with a 2-1 loss at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.
Pat Noonan had out the Galaxy up with an early strike but Carolina scored two goals in the final 15 minutes to snatch the victory.
The loss was the Galaxy's third consecutive in such manner as San Jose and Houston overcame early Galaxy leads to win as well.
Noonan donned the captain's armband as the Galaxy sent out a reserve-laden squad. Hector Jimenez stole a ball in the 38th minute and found down the right wing Chad Barrett, who fed Noonan at the top of the area. The veteran striker put the ball away, beating former MLSer Ray Burse to give the Galaxy the lead.
Jimenez though left the game before he half with a knee injury, the severity of which was not immediately known.
The Galaxy lost Barrett and defender Bryan Gaul to injury by the 71st minute as well, perhaps playing a factor in the comeback.
Carolina began their late barrage with a quarter-hour left. Former New England attacker Zack Schilawaski got the ball to Ty Shipilane, who got behind the Galaxy defense and beat Bill Gaudette for the equalizer. Shipilane then spurred the hosts on to the match-winner when he sent a long cross in from the right wing that found the head of Brian Shriver in front of goal. Gaudette couldn't control the rebound and the RailHawks completed their rally.
The Galaxy now have lost nine games in all competitions this year, one more than they had in all of 2011.
