[MLS SPOTLIGHT] The Los Angeles Galaxy's season of frustration continued as the defending MLS champion fell at home to the Philadelphia Union, 2-1, on Michael Farfan's goal set up brilliantly by Lionard Pajoy's backheel five minutes into stoppage time. The loss dropped the
Galaxy's record to 6-10-2. After winning three straight games to get back in the playoff hunt, the Galaxy fell to the San Jose Earthquakes, 4-3, after leading 3-1 and lost to the Union, which won for
just its fourth time in 15 games. "We gave a game away," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. "That's a game we should've walked away comfortably with three points,
in my opinion."
With the first half in stoppage time, Brazilian David Junior Lopes failed to shut down Farfan on the right wing, and the
Californian's cross found young Union forward Jack McInerney, who put the Union ahead, 1-0, with a cheeky backheel.
Sean Franklin failed to stop Pajoy, whose backheel found Farfan free for the stunning winner.
"It was an extremely poor effort at the end of the game to get exposed and give
up the point we worked so hard to earn," Arena said.
Chad Barrett had evened the score in the 73rd minute to tie the Union.
The
Galaxy, which now heads on the road for three games, had plenty of chances, outshooting Philadelphia, 16-8. But Robbie Keane had two shots cleared off the line
in the first half and A.J. DeLaGarza hit the crossbar in the second half.
Omar Gonzalez, the 2011 MLS
Defender of the year, played the first 45 minutes in his 2012 debut after tearing a ligament in his left knee in January.



Joe Hosack


