LA Galaxy II completed a decisive 3-0 win against Colorado Rapids II in MLS Next Pro's Group Stage on Friday night. The result leaves the hosts in third place with 42 points from 26 games, while the visitors remain seventh with 18 points. By then the gap between the two sides in the table had widened further.
The opening goal arrived at the 33rd minute when T. Mihalic found the net to give the home side what they needed. To be fair, the visitors had possession advantage but couldn't create anything meaningful in the opening period. And here's the thing — it was the hosts who controlled the tempo rather than the guests who dominated the ball.
Colorado responded with a yellow card for J. De Coteau in the 50th minute, but just two minutes later D. Guerra also received a caution. The hosts made their move at 65 minutes when G. Whitchurch, who had already been booked, doubled the advantage. That price has gone for the visitors, who suddenly needed to chase the game.
Substitutions began flowing at 64 minutes with L. Torres coming on, followed by E. Heredia in the 70th. The decisive third goal came at 78 minutes through N. Mardaresco, putting the result beyond doubt. By then the hosts had cut them open at will, and there was little Colorado could do to respond.
The statistics tell you where the match was won. The hosts registered 6 shots on target with 43 per cent accuracy compared to just 3 on target for the visitors at 25 per cent. Possession sat at 45 per cent for LA Galaxy II against 55 per cent for Colorado Rapids II, but that number meant nothing when the final whistle blew.
This result extends the hosts' momentum while Colorado's struggles continue. The visitors have now lost 21 of their 26 games this season, and a defeat like this makes life awkward for anyone hoping they turn things around. The hosts sit 24 points clear at the top of their group and know they are in control of the tie.