Three things we learned in LA Galaxy loss

The Union saw their three-game win streak and four-game unbeaten streak come to an end Saturday night in California with a 2-0 loss to the LA Galaxy. Here are four takeaways.

Brenden Aaronson is human, after all

So for the first time this season, in his fifth consecutive start, the 18-year old finally showed some real signs of being young and inexperienced. Aaronson, who has hardly, and really only if you’re looking for something to say, put a foot wrong this year so far, wasn’t at his best on Saturday against the Galaxy. His explosive attacking moves were not on show as they usually are, his passing and decision making were just a touch off and could still use some work. He also managed only one shot (a skied effort well over the LA net) during the entire match. This all being said, the kid is entitled to an off game. By and large Brenden has played above and beyond what anyone could have realistically expected from an 18-year old prospect. Hopefully he brings it back around in his next game.

Auston Trusty is experiencing some growing pains

Well, it’s certainly no good when your (essentially) Number 1 center back gets red carded. Even when you’re down 2-0, with no hope to win, discipline is important. Auston had a rough go of it in general in the game, getting beaten easily (with barely even an attempt to jump at it) for Zlatan and LA’s first goal in the 27th minute. Then again he was involved in the PK awarded to the Galaxy, deserved or not this is still a fact. His first yellow card came in the 47th minute with an utterly foolish and unnecessary slam into the back of the Galaxy’s Lletget. Finally, in the 76th minute of this absolute slog of a match, Trusty was sent off with a second yellow for another foul on Lletget, this time right outside of the Union’s 18-yard box. Again, maybe the LA player threw himself into the challenge (I don’t think he did for what it’s worth), but this doesn’t change the lack of discipline shown by Auston. I know he’s young. I’m a fan of his game for the most part, even. This game is unacceptable though. He has over a year’s worth of pro-level play now, do better.

Cory Burke STILL isn’t the answer

The Philadelphia Union are experiencing some pain in regard to their attacking corps this season. With Santos seemingly chronically sidelined with injury, their choices come down to (realistically at striker) David Accam, Fafa Picault and Cory Burke. Despite Burke’s goal last week, I can’t imagine why he started this game over the in-form David Accam. One goalless game shouldn’t lose you a starting spot. Fafa Picault, of whom I’ve been very vocal about my opinion, gets a pass this week because of being a freak early sub. Burke is just simply not good enough. He’s not fast enough, he doesn’t use his weight enough, and his passing ability is in question. Both of his only TWO shots on goal were blocked, and he only had a passing rating of 58%. These are the kind of statistics you want out of your starting striker? No thanks. I’m happy that everyone think Curtin is “experimenting” now, but I wish he’d really experiment with the idea of dropping Burke to a purely bench role, which Cory is best suited for.

What did you learn from the Galaxy loss? Share it in the comments.