FRISCO, Texas – With a revamped backline and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the fold, the LA Galaxy seemed primed for a resurgence in 2018. Instead, the five-time MLS champs have suffered more of the same after a franchise-worst 2017 season.
On Saturday, they fell to their fourth consecutive defeat – for the third time in the past year – with a 3-2 loss at FC Dallas. Despite Ibrahimovic joining a talented front six including Romain Alessandrini and the dos Santos brothers, defensive (and physical) frailties, coupled with a disconnect in the attacking third, have hindered progress through Sigi Schmid's second tenure with the team.
"We've got to defend better, we can't give up goals that we're giving up," said Schmid. "We didn't score four goals the last two weeks, we've scored two goals in each game on the road. You've got to come out with something but we've given up six goals. We constantly put ourselves behind so we're constantly chasing a lead. I think the last time we were in front was in Chicago and we won the game, so it's a matter of getting on the scoreboard first."
With Giovani dos Santos missing the trip to Texas with an unspecified injury sustained in training, brother Jonathan exited the game shortly after coming together with FC Dallas' Carlos Gruezo. Schmid described the injury as a charley horse that shouldn't keep Jonathan dos Santos out of action, but there will be concern for the quality of supply to Ibrahimovic if the Galaxy will have to make do without the Mexican national team duo.
Regarding Giovani's chances of returning for next Sunday's game away to the Montreal Impact, the Galaxy coach remained tight-lipped prior to their return to Carson.
"They are quality players," said Ibrahimovic. "We need every quality player we have, we are in need of the best players so you miss them, you miss a lot. Hopefully it's nothing bad with Jonathan."
The Swede recorded a game-high six shots, although none were on target. His 89th minute free kick rattled Jimmy Maurer's left post with the Galaxy trying to get back on level terms, but the striker was also forced to drop back in an effort to connect play from the visitors' midfield.
"It wasn't easy," said Ibrahimovic. "It was a dry game, because of the weather also. Me myself, I had one chance, the free kick. The rest I didn't have and I tried to help my teammates to create chances. A couple were good but not really clear in the last ten minutes."
