US Open Cup: In Memory Of Los Angeles Galaxy Soccer

By Jo-Ryan Salazar | Jun 25, 2014

Jun 24, 2014; Cary, NC, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7) and forward Landon Donovan (10) during the second half of the US Open Cup fifth round at WakeMed Soccer Park. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the life of Los Angeles Galaxy Soccer, which died on one of the seldom-used fields of WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. on June 24, 2014 at the hands of Colin Clarke’s Carolina RailHawks. A relative unknown by the name of Daniel Jackson delivered the dagger in the 105th minute to kill the Galaxy’s chances of winning the easiest piece of silverware to win this season, along with another unknown by the name of Scott Goodwin.

Now why do I mention Goodwin? He is a backup goalkeeper to Akira Fitzgerald and really looked like he had no business playing in the North American Soccer League. Goodwin make eight saves, which is similar to the number of saves Real Salt Lake’s Nick Rimando made on Bruce Arena’s Galaxy in their first meeting. Solid goalkeeping, poor offensive sequences and a clutch goal from the hosts are the reason why the Galaxy are boldly predicted to not win any matches this season.

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“I just thought I’d blast it and see where it goes. It went near-post, and it was a pretty good rip and it went in,” Jackson told J. Mike Blake of the News Observer. “Nazmi (Albadawi) had broken up the play. I brought (defender) Leonardo in and I played a one-touch with Zimmerman… He played a ball through and I was in (on goal).”

“We knew we were going to have to defend – not ‘ride our luck’ – but come up with some big plays,” Clarke. “Everybody done their bit.”

“It felt like an NHL hockey game. There must’ve been, I swear, 30 blocked shots – guys diving in front of shots, crosses. That’s a testament to the group of fighting and digging in,” Galaxy associate coach Dave Sarachan said.

With the win, the RailHawks take on FC Dallas in the next round of the U.S. Open Cup at WakeMed Soccer Park, which is turning into a graveyard for many MLS teams. As for the Galaxy, their title hopes will soon be buried with the poor form they put themselves in on Tuesday night.

May the football gods that be have mercy on this once-proud organization, for they will need all the sympathy they can get. That is all. Dismissed, but before you leave, here are some player ratings. Go in peace.

Carolina RailHawks Player Ratings

Scott Goodwin 10, Austen King 7, Connor Tobin 7, Kupono Low 6.5, Daniel Scott 6.5, Enzo Martinez 6, Jun Marques Davidson 6, Nazmi Albadawi 6, Ty Shipalane 5, Cesar Elizondo 5, Zach Schilawski 6, Daniel Jackson 9, Nick Zimmerman 8, Nick Millington NR

Los Angeles Galaxy Player Ratings

Jaime Penedo 3, A.J. DeLaGarza 3.5, Kofi Opare 3, Leonardo 1, Robbie Rogers 3, Juninho 3, Kenney Walker 2, Marcelo Sarvas 2.5, Stefan Ishizaki 3, Gyasi Zardes 2, Robbie Keane 2, Landon Donovan 2, Baggio Husidic 2, Samuel NR