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Shorthanded Galaxy drop their second in a row

By Mary Coyne

Mar 12, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; LA Galaxy midfielder Sebastian Lletget (17) moves the ball defended by Portland Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe (6) during the first half at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; LA Galaxy midfielder Sebastian Lletget (17) moves the ball defended by Portland Timbers midfielder Darlington Nagbe (6) during the first half at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Probably not what the LA Galaxy wanted to have happen.

With his team depleted by injuries and suspensions, Onaflo was forced to play with 10-men for close to an hour in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to the Portland Timbers.

Defender Jelle Van Damme was out after receiving two controversial yellow cards at the end of the first half. All while teammates Jermaine Jones and David Romney were unavailable due to suspensions handed down by the MLS Disciplinary Committee.

The Galaxy’s troubles continued on Sunday after forward Giovanni dos Santos left the game at halftime with an apparent hamstring pull on his right leg. He will be evaluated today, but his extended loss would be a huge blow to an already depleted Galaxy team.

Defender Robbie Rogers is out long-term with nerve damage in his foot. Also, Ashley Cole is out with a calf strain, and forward Gyasi Zardes is still recovering from knee surgery.

https://twitter.com/LAGalaxy/status/841160902556696576

Also, Los Angeles has now lost their last three regular-season home games after a 15-match unbeaten home record in Carson. They are being tested early in this MLS season, and I can only hope what doesn’t kill them will make them stronger!

Younger players and reserves are being asked to step up and produce. Players like Rafael Garcia, Nathan Smith, and veteran Baggio Husidic need to be ready and flexible, as the rotation will surely change in order to accommodate the holes in the lineup.

However, one bright spot from Sunday’s match up was the impressive play by goalie Clement Diop. He may have secured a starting position with his strong performance.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQmfLRzj64t/?taken-by=clementdiop

Meanwhile, the Timbers are beginning their season with two victories in a row —  a first for their franchise.

Lastly, Portland scored just seven minutes into Sunday’s match and that was all they needed to secure the victory.

Next: Three Reasons Why UCLA Will Win It All

While the Galaxy and Coach Onalfo wait on word of the Dos Santos injury, they will prepare for an away match up with the Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

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