Freddie Ljungberg ditched the Seattle Sounders to move to the Fire as their most recent DP. He came on in the 58th minute. By then his new team were in cruise control having scored three goals to Galaxy’s one. There was no sighting of the other DP, Nery Castillo, who has yet to join. Ljungberg’s Fire debut was uneventful.
The fantastically named Baggio Husidic, Marco Pappa, Collins John cut the LA Galaxy defense into shreds in a repeat of the debacle suffered against the Puerto Rican Islanders a week before. 7 goals given up in two games and the back line of Berhalter, Dunivant, Gonzalez, and Franklin have reasons to worry.
The Galaxy pulled a couple back through two spot kicks taken by Landon Donovan. Both decisions were dubious at best. The first marked a century of MLS goals. The sixth player to do so and the second fastest behind Taylor Twellman. His team mate Edson Buddle is on pace to break that record.
Sean Johnson brought off the save off the season when he denied an equalizing header from Alan Gordon in the waning minutes to preserve the 3-2 lead for the Fire.
After the loss:
“I’m sick of giving up goals and I’m sick of not winning at home,” said Galaxy captain Landon Donovan. “Maybe our attitude isn’t right and maybe we’re focusing on things off the field and not our jobs, but we’re going to have to learn and learn quickly.”
Mmmmm. Looks like he might be preoccupied with a few things. The Everton transfer might not be happening since the club has said it is just too strapped for cash.
The Fire now look forward to meeting the New York Red Bulls this coming Sunday which should reunite Ljungberg with former Arsenal team mate Thierry Henry. Should be a very good match.