PIP: Western Conference Championship Game 2; LA Galaxy vs Seattle Sounders; 11/18/12; 6 P.M. PST

Thank goodness that game is over. It was ugly for the Galaxy from start to finish.

Robbie's PK goal took a bit of the sting out of it but I hate it when we play that "loft the ball to the corners" style of killing off the game. Feels like we started that crud just slightly before the opening whistle except for about 10 min at the end of the 1st half.

What makes this team so fun to watch in the sharp interchanging movement and quick one-touch/two-touch passing. I love my Gs no matter what but we looked like freaking Stoke City tonight.

Ugly. Uglier. Ugliest.

That said, we're through to the Final AT the HDC!!!

 

I don't agree. Seattle was able to hold possession on the same pitch. We obnoxiously punted balls to nowhere and made rash passes and bad decisions that had nothing to do with the field conditions. When Juhnino came on he was able to hold the ball and passed it much better. It was a bad choice in tactics that we almost paid for. I don't believe conditions like this affect one team more than the other.

 

LOL, the conspiracy theorists have now infested the Dynamo fan base, saying that Houston only made it to the Final again just to make sure the Galaxy host the game again.

 

I agree to a point. It is the same field for everyone. But, it also makes a difference to have practiced and played on it a lot more, to have experimented with different cleats, etc. Seattle on a rainy day on an artificial turf increases there home field advantage.

On the other hand, L.A. seemed content in many situations to just boot it away to the corner. A typical tactic once you're past the 80th minute and looking to kill pressure and the clock, but you knew it was going to be a long day when we saw that so early on.

 

Personally thought that Seattle came out with San Jose's play book of being overly physical and it worked for them because the ref was not calling them on their fouls. Their forwards were constantly initiating contact on our central defenders and getting the benefit of the doubt from the ref. it's an effective way to play against us if you happen to get a ref who refuses to call the ticky tack stuff which are legitimate fouls.

That hurt us in this game.

 

Our arm is long and mighty indeed. Even the Illuminati tremble before the machinations of the mighty Galaxy FO.

 

What you're missing is the they play half their games there and are well versed in how to deal with the disadvantages. They have a more instinctive feel for how the ball will bounce, and it gives them a huge advantage.

That said, a professional team has to cope with those kinds of issues and the G's did just enough to get the job done. I won't obsess about it for that reason. I just don't think it's fair to call them out because of it and I doubt it will carry over to a cup final played on a real pitch that they are familiar with.

 

Probably because the FO has Skull and Bones, Bilderberg Group and Zionists joining forces.

 

The "G" is for Galaxy

 

What is the ticket situation.... when if ever are tickets supposed to go on sale?

 

Rewatch the PK call (it happens at 3:15):
http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-11-18-sea-v-la/highlights

In the leadup to the play, the Seattle defender has his arms flying all over the place. He's practically begging to be called for a handball. As a defender, you simply cannot play like that and complain about that call.

 

TJ are you on our side finally!?

 

Tough game to watch. Wet plastic seemed to make LA play tentatively and a step slow, but they eventually got more comfortable. With Donovan rested and a home final, we're in a strong position.

What I don't understand is why Seattle seemed to roll over and die. They didn't have much fight or urgency towards the end of the game.

 

I just looked at the Galaxy website, it says "MLS Cup tickets are available only to 2013 Season Ticket Holders or fans that commit to a 2013 partial or mini plan." Not sure when they will go on sale for the rest of us. I'm gonna check again tomorrow.

 

I think they were tired. They looked tired the last ten minutes of the first half as well.

 

Hey, shut up Mr Handwaving. Thanks.

 

Backing your way into the final...is not something that should be condoned...but at least Becks showed up.

 

Those of us in the inner circle have had ours for the last six months. But I've said too much.

Shhh...

 

Geiger's reasoning on the handball

http://www.lagalaxy.com/blog/beat/2...sses-decision-award-penalty-kick-robbie-keane

“The hand was in an unnatural playing position, and he was making himself bigger by taking space. His arms were outside of his body. [Jhon Kennedy] Hurtado’s arm was next to his body, he was not making himself bigger, and this was a case of “ball-to-hand.”

I think he made the right call in both situations.

 

Beckham had a stinker tonight. I assume Juninho wasn't ready to go 90, but we would have been much better off having him play 90 rather than Beckham.

 

I'm loving the fact that we have qualified again for CCL!!!

 

Geiger on the handball non-call and the handball call:

It was a tough call. FIFA says that a ref should consider the distance from the kick to the defender, but you really can't throw your arms out like you are trying to fly when you are defending. I've taken a ball straight into the elbow from a close kick, but my hands were behind my back, so no call.

 

I wanted to go Steve Cronin on Twellman tonight. He is unlistenable. I'm glad I will be at the HDC rather than listening to him call the match on TV.

 

What was the deal with absolutely no celebration by the team on the field? Robbie fulfilled the contractual obligation by lifting the cup, and they all immediately bailed off the stage. Did Stephens drop ass after a particularly nasty pre-game meal?

 

I think it was because it was raining and they were cold. I think it was in the upper 30s so they must have been freezing. Other than that, I am just as confused as you.