LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire Player Ratings
This was a match the Fire want to put on the back burner and forget right away. It was an extremely tepid performance from the Men in Red, whose fans were excited to see a revamped side. While injuries to David Accam and Razvan Cocis evidently hurt the side, it was no excuse for the performance displayed. A look at these ratings will show why the Fire came up on the short end of the stick in this one.
Starters
SEAN JOHNSON
Goalkeeper, Chicago Fire8
LOVEL PALMER
Defender, Chicago Fire7
JEFF LARENTOWICZ
Defender, Chicago Fire6
ERIC GEHRIG
Defender, Chicago Fire7.5
JOEVIN JONES
Defender, Chicago Fire7
CHRIS RITTER
Midfielder, Chicago Fire6
HARRY SHIPP
Midfielder, Chicago Fire8
MATT WATSON
Midfielder, Chicago Fire5.5
SHAUN MALONEY
Midfielder, Chicago Fire6.5
KENNEDY IGBOANANIKE
Forward, Chicago Fire7
QUINCY AMARIKWA
Forward, Chicago Fire7.5
Subs
MICHAEL STEPHENS
Midfielder, Chicago Fire6.5
MATT POLSTER
Defender/Midfielder, Chicago Fire6.5
GULY DO PRADO
Forward, Chicago Fire6
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The MLS kicked off on a high note for the LA Galaxy as they were able to show a national audience why they are the defending MLS Cup champions. They made quick work of a Chicago Fire team that struggled to find their way into the match. While the Galaxy came out 2-0 winners, the match could have been decided by more goals as the home side heavily out-shot, out-possessed, and out-played the Men in Red.<\/p>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t\tNew season brings renewed hope for the Chicago Fire<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t\tBastian Schweinsteiger set to sign for Chicago Fire<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t\tChicago Fire look to turn their season around<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t\tChicago needs to find Fire offensively<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t\tMLS Disciplinary Committee Issues Week 1 Suspensions<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\n
Takeaways from the MLS opener can be read here<\/a>. We’ll take a closer look at how each player performed and rate them on a 1-10 scale. Rarely will you see a score of 1 or 2, which will denote a player practically attempted to play for the other team or took a nap (literally) during portions of the match. On the other end of the spectrum, a 10 denotes a Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Mess type of performance with flawless passing and shooting.<\/p>\n
First, let’s take a look at the home side LA Galaxy:<\/p>\n
Starters<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nBRIAN ROWE<\/h3>\n Goalkeeper,<\/span>\n LA Galaxy<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n7.5<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Brian Rowe was surprisingly given the nod in net over Jaime Penedo. After an early hiccup and tense moment, he grew into the match and took care of the very few opportunities the Fire put on net. A clean sheet is great, but Rowe can thank his defense for not giving him much to do.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nDAN GARGAN<\/h3>\n Defender,<\/span>\n LA Galaxy<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n7.5<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Gargan made a few marauding runs down the pitch, but he generally stayed at home and made sound decisions when needed along the back. Though he wasn’t much of a threat down the wing, he didn’t need to be with the way LA controlled the match. The veteran was subbed off in the 83rd minute.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nOMAR GONZALEZ<\/h3>\n Defender,<\/span>\n LA Galaxy<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n8.5<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
The U.S. international was a rock in the center of the defense. Gonzalez was extremely calm on the ball and comfortably made passes out of the back that started some threatening Galaxy attacks. He showed his true quality on a long chip that set up LA’s second goal that put the match to bed.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nLEONARDO <\/h3>\n Defender,<\/span>\n LA Galaxy<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n8<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Any time the Fire looked like they were going to put a solid attempt on the LA net, Leonardo seemed to be in the right place at the right time. He stopped a few quality through balls with critical interceptions that started the Galaxy the other way.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nROBBIE ROGERS<\/h3>\n Defender,<\/span>\n LA Galaxy<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n7<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
After a magnificent start that saw Rogers push up and help the offense bomb Chicago’s goal for the first 10 minutes, he was exposed by Lovel Palmer a few times and needed help to get out of the jams. The true reason for the lower rating than the rest of the defense lies in the fact that he may have gotten away with a penalty in the box.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nSTEFAN ISHIZAKI<\/h3>\n Midfielder,<\/span>\n LA Galaxy<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n8.5<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Ishizaki continually gave the Fire defense fits with his runs and pace. Bruce Arena’s strategy early in the match was to test the Fire’s new left back, Joevin Jones. Ishizaki was employed to carry out the strategy. Take away his poor pass to Keane, and he had a nearly flawless match.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nJUNINHO <\/h3>\n Midfielder,<\/span>\n LA Galaxy<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n7.5<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Juninho did what Juninho does best. He worked in the engine room and ensured a smooth transition from the defense to the front line of Galaxy attackers. The Fire barely provided a threat and Juninho’s quiet work played a big role.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nKENNEY WALKER<\/h3>\n Midfielder,<\/span>\n LA Galaxy<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n6.5<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Kenney Walker was invisible at times, but he didn’t need to be seen or heard from much as the usually powerful and composed midfielder didn’t have many Fire challenges to deal with. He was subbed off in the 63rd minute after picking up a yellow card.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nJOSE VILLARREAL<\/h3>\n Midfielder,<\/span>\n LA Galaxy<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n8<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
It was Villarreal’s goal that ended up being the game winner as the midfielder was in the right place at the right time. Regardless, it was a cool left footed finish that put the hosts up. If it weren’t for a few wayward passes early in the match, his rating would be a tad higher. He was subbed off in the 70th minute, 5 minutes after the opening goal.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nROBBIE KEANE<\/h3>\n Forward,<\/span>\n LA Galaxy<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n9<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
The Irish international was in MVP form again. His deft touches, brilliantly timed runs, and scintillating vision led to an attack that could have scored 5 or 6 times. Keane would have had a 2nd goal if Ishizaka’s pass had connected to him streaking towards an empty net.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nGYASI ZARDES<\/h3>\n Forward,<\/span>\n LA Galaxy<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n7.5<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
The youngster’s runs were great and he opened up and created many scoring chances, especially at the beginning of the match. Zardes disappeared a bit in the second half and needs to improve his finishing and decision making. He is undoubtedly going to be one of the MLS’ best talents once he realizes his own power.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nSubs<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nBAGGIO HUSIDIC<\/h3>\n Midfielder,<\/span>\n LA Galaxy<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n8.5<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Talk about an impact sub! Husidic, the former Fire midfielder, came on in the 63rd minute in a 0-0 match. His distribution was superb and a moment of brilliance with a glancing header off Gonzalez’s chip directly set up Robbie Keane’s goal and the match dagger.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nALAN GORDON<\/h3>\n Forward,<\/span>\n LA Galaxy<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n7<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Gordon only played 20 minutes, so he couldn’t completely impose himself on the match, but his movement in the box drew Fire defenders toward him on LA’s second goal.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nA.J. DELAGARZA<\/h3>\n Defender,<\/span>\n LA Galaxy<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\nN\/A<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
The defender came on in the 83rd minute. By that point, the match was already put to bed so it’s tough to give him a rating for this short outing.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nNext: <\/span>Chicago Fire Player Ratings<\/span><\/a><\/div>"},{"title":"LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire: Player Ratings - Page 2","permalink":"https:\/\/playingfor90.com\/2015\/03\/07\/la-galaxy-fire-player-ratings\/2\/","shortCodeTitle":null,"content":"<\/a> Mar 6, 2015; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Jose Villarreal (5) dribbles the ball as Chicago Fire defender Jeff Larenztowicz (20) defends at StubHub Center. The Galaxy won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports\nThis was a match the Fire want to put on the back burner and forget right away. It was an extremely tepid performance from the Men in Red, whose fans were excited to see a revamped side. While injuries to David Accam and Razvan Cocis evidently hurt the side, it was no excuse for the performance displayed. A look at these ratings will show why the Fire came up on the short end of the stick in this one.<\/p>\n
Starters<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nSEAN JOHNSON<\/h3>\n Goalkeeper,<\/span>\n Chicago Fire<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n8<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
The always reliable backstop was superb, especially in the early going when the Fire were on the back foot. Johnson couldn’t do anything about the two goals scored on him. As a matter of fact, if not for the Milkman, this match could have been 4 or 5 to nil.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nLOVEL PALMER<\/h3>\n Defender,<\/span>\n Chicago Fire<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n7<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
The Jamaican did a magnificent job of pushing up on the right wing and putting pressure on LA when the Fire had no offense going for them in the first half. Palmer had a brilliant cross that Watson should have finished. Unfortunately, he also played a part in the critical error that led to the opening goal by getting in the way of Big Red’s clearance.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nJEFF LARENTOWICZ<\/h3>\n Defender,<\/span>\n Chicago Fire<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n6<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
It was a tale of two halves for the Fire skipper. After showing his poise and cool on the ball during a hectic first half for the rest of the team, it was Larentowicz’s costly error that created LA’s game winner. After that, the center back look rattled all match. He was also out of position on the Robbie Keane goal.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nERIC GEHRIG<\/h3>\n Defender,<\/span>\n Chicago Fire<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n7.5<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
Fire fans were shocked to see Gehrig get the start over Adailton, but the Illinois native did not disappoint. As a matter of fact, he was by far the best player on the pitch for the Fire with his no non-sense clearances and brilliant positioning.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nJOEVIN JONES<\/h3>\n Defender,<\/span>\n Chicago Fire<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n7<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
The Galaxy came in with a strategy of attacking a player new to the league. The Trinidad & Tobago international held up decently, but was caught up field a few times in the second half that led to odd man breaks for the Galaxy.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n \n <\/div>\n\nCHRIS RITTER<\/h3>\n Midfielder,<\/span>\n Chicago Fire<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
\n6<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
- \n\t\t\t\t\tBastian Schweinsteiger set to sign for Chicago Fire<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t