KANSAS CITY – Robbie Keane scored the equalizer just before the half, but it was not enough as the LA Galaxy fell to Sporting KC 2-1 in a crushing defeat for their quest to repeat as champions.
Keane found the back of the net as the Galaxy ran a devastating three-on-one counter attack. SKC keeper Tim Melia came out to challenge Keane, but he was able to get the ball over the goalie and into the back of the net.
The LA Galaxy had their destiny in their own hands ahead of their match with SKC. A win, and they would secure the second seed in the Western Conference and a vital first round bye for the 2015 MLS Cup, a loss, and they could fall as low as the fifth seed, forced to play in a dangerous one-game road play in match.
Once again, the Galaxy's defensive shortcomings were exposed in their match with Sporting KC costly late goals, and sloppy play within their back four have been the team's Achilles heel over the course of this season.
They were exposed once again as Kevin Ellis and Dom Dwyer each got past the Galaxy defense in SKC's 2-1 victory on Sunday.
Sporting KC's victory guarantees them a spot in the playoffs as they slip in to the sixth seed and will play a one-game playoff next week on the road as well.
The defending MLS Cup Champions have struggled over the past month, and it could cost them dearly should they lose their playoff match next week. Late game collapses and frustrating losses at home have seen the Galaxy fall from first place in the West, all the way to fifth.
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The LA Galaxy will now have to travel to Seattle next week to face the rival Sounders at CenturyLink Field in a winner-take all match.
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