De-constructing LA Galaxy's Dominating Performance Against Toronto FC!

LA Galaxy has been one of the top teams in the MLS this season, comfortably sitting in 2nd position in the Western Conference and also having star player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as the 2nd highest top scorer in the league currently! Their game last night against Toronto FC ended with the scoreline of 2-0 in their favour and today I'll try to give you an idea of how LA Galaxy played in all 4 moments of the game and dominated proceedings.

Offensive Organisation

When playing out from the back, they try to organise on the pitch to always have numerical parity or superiority in proximity to the ball. Attracting opponents towards the game-centre in the middle corridor and opening up spaces on the outsides for gaining numerical parity and spatial advantage.

In the middle third, after a long ball, their main concern is to win the 2nd ball successfully. This helps them gain space near the opposing goal and they can start creation of chances.

In the final third, using Zlatan as target man and the outside corridors for superiority, crossing and finishing is their strongest suit.

Defensive Transition

As soon as the ball is lost, in a local perspective, the closest player pressurises the ball carrier in the direction away from goal. Glocally, closest team-mates give cover by isolating the player with the ball, giving him no option but to dribble or move away from the area of pressure. Once that is established, the team in a global perspective, gives defensive unity and try to get in shape quickly.

Defensive Organisation

First line of pressure, the striker, directs the ball carrier inside, where there more chance of winning the ball and quickly getting into an offensive phase.

The second line, midfielders, maintain a zonal system where each player is responsible for blocking a passing lane going forward.

The defensive midfielder stabilizes the midfield line by closing down runs of opponent striker/s coming down to receive the ball.

The defensive line maintains shape and organises to apply pressure, cover and balance at all times.

Offensive Transition

First and direct option for LA Galaxy is to go as close to opponent goal, as soon as possible. It can be with a dribble or a pass or a long ball, but the priority is to get the ball up the pitch.

Other players support the ball carrier to create situations of numerical superiority in side corridors.

With number and time in their control, they tend to make late but calculated runs behind the opponent defensive line for gaining opportunities to score.

I hope you enjoyed my analysis and I'm eagerly looking forward to your invaluable feedback, suggestions and ideas. Do like, share and follow the page to show your love!

Football - Analysed!


(Video and Statistics Credits - WyScout.com)