When you match up the USL Western Conference’s best offense versus the league’s best defense, you get a draw. LA Galaxy II tied Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 0-0 at StubHub Center, Saturday night.
LA Galaxy II, commonly referred to as “Los Dos,” took on the current first-ranked team in the league, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
From the start both teams started off strong, each getting a chance on goal within the first five minutes.
LA Galaxy got busy right away with a ball placed over the top to team captain Jack McBean in the fourth minute, but was called offsides. Switchbacks answered back with an attempt of their own with a quick pass to the center and a one-touch shot, but it went just over the goal.
Most of the first half ultimately consisted of missed clearances and untouched crosses in the box.
In the second half however, Los Dos dominated by picking up the pressure. While they kept possession and knocked the ball around very well, no ball could be placed into the net.
One of their best attempts came in the 53rd minute from McBean, who fired a shot just outside the box but hit the crossbar.
What stood out this game was the skill provided by both teams’ defense. Every strong attack was stopped by the other teams’ defense. These attacks included numerous set plays and corner kicks.
The Switchbacks have only allowed seven goals against them so far this season, and LA Galaxy just got their fourth shutout due to both teams’ impressive backlines.
“They played pretty direct and we won most of the first and second balls that we talked about and we did a good job with that,” McBean said.
Los Dos again created back-to-back chances in the 65th minute. Dribbling was the key to both these plays, but they couldn’t capitalize.
Both teams had their first meeting of the season on May 4 where Los Dos defeated Switchbacks FC 3-2 on May 4.
During this matchup, LA Galaxy II head coach Curt Onalfo explained the struggle both teams faced was the lack of finishing the opportunities they had.
“In games like that, it comes down to a chance or two and we had more of those chances but we didn’t finish them.”
One chance was exactly what either team needed to become victorious during this game, but neither were capable of clinching the opportunity.
This result now drops Los Dos down to fourth in conference, but overall Onalfo is pleased with the performance displayed during this game.
“I’m pleased with the progress we made and I think it was a very good performance from our team.”
Neither team walked away with three points, but it was a hard-fought game from both sides. LA Galaxy II will next face an away match against the Tulsa Roughnecks at ONEOK Stadium, June 17th at 5:30 pm PST.
