The defending MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy have yet to win a match this season.
Los Angeles will try to notch that elusive victory when it visits Real Salt Lake on Saturday afternoon at Sandy, Utah.
The Galaxy (0-4-2, 2 points) have been outscored 12-5 in MLS play, but the attack hopes to get a boost with forward Joseph Paintsil (quadriceps) rounding into shape.
Paintsil, who made his season debut in last Saturday’s 2-1 home loss to Orlando City, understands the narrative about the slow start.
“I would say the team is not playing bad,” Paintsil said. “The result is what’s not coming, and all that we need to do is all of us need to make sure that whenever we are on the field, we are the champions. We should play like a champion.”
Los Angeles has received standout play from forward Christian Ramirez, who was acquired from the Columbus Crew in February. Ramirez, who celebrated his 34th birthday Friday, has fit in fast and scored three goals in MLS play and another in CONCACAF Champions Cup action.
“I’m starting to get comfortable and understand my teammates, and the more I understand them, the more they understand me and my movements and where I’m going to be,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez scored goals in four straight matches across all competitions until coming up empty in Tuesday’s scoreless tie against Tigres UANL of Mexico in Leg 1 of their Champions quarterfinal match. Leg 2 is next Tuesday.
Real Salt Lake (2-4-0, 6 points) have been blanked in their past two matches. Salt Lake has been outscored 11-5.
Forward Jesus Barea made his MLS debut in last Saturday’s 2-0 loss at Minnesota United and impressed by taking four shots — including two on target — during a game-long downpour that caused many puddles through the middle of the field.
“Personally, I think I did a great job just fighting for the team, fighting to find a goal,” said Barea, a 22-year-old from Spain. “But it didn’t happen. … It’s not about me, it’s about the team.”
Defender Alexandros Katranis said it’s time for the club to pick things up.
“Six games, six points is not what we want,” Katranis said. “The only thing we can do is work harder.”
Galaxy goalkeeper Maya Yoshida sustained a hamstring injury on Tuesday and will be sidelined 10 to 14 days, according to coach Greg Vanney. John McCarthy will start in goal Saturday.
The teams met twice last season. The Galaxy notched a 1-0 win June 22 in Utah — six weeks after the clubs played to a 2-2 tie in Carson, Calif.
–Field Level Media
