MLS 2012, Midweek 16: Busy Independence Day Around The League

McInerney’s latest goal comes on the, ahem, heels, of a similar goal by Chris Wondolowski on Saturday. That goal was, coincidentally, also scored against the Galaxy. Apparently, MLS forwards have found the Galaxy’s, ahem, Achilles’ Heel.

The goal came on a flubbed clearance by Drew Moor. A diagonal ball for Mattocks missed the Whitecaps striker and instead found Moor 20 yards from goal. It was a simple clearance for Moor and Mattocks didn’t even try too hard to pressure him, but the veteran still mishit the ball and basically played Mattocks in on goal. The rookie finished easily and the visitors were in front.

The Galaxy defense has really struggled without Gonzalez. They have allowed 27 goals in just 20 matches this season, a year after they allowed just 28 in all 34 matches en route to both the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup title. The other three starters from last year’s defense are all back, but clearly the unit is nowhere near as good without Gonzalez.

Recovery from a torn ACL typically takes between nine months and one year. Gonzalez has been ahead of schedule in his recovery since day one, but returning this quickly is a surprise to anyone. He tore his ACL over the winter in his first training session with Nuremberg after going on trial with the German club.

It seems like every time a team establishes themselves as the best in MLS they follow it up with a string of losses. It happened to the Galaxy early in the season, then at various points to Sporting, Seattle and Salt Lake. Now it is the Earthquakes’ turn.