The Galaxy have only five points in their last six MLS games, and facing an A-League opponent, they crashed out of the US Open Cup. Across that seven-game stretch, they have scored only four goals. Put simply, they're too talented to be struggling like this. What's wrong?

Herzog's Greed

Andreas Herzog's cannon of a left-foot is increasingly shot-happy ... and it isn't working. In shots attempted, he's tied for second in the league behind Damani Ralph, even though Ralph has nine run-of-play goals to Herzog's three. He needs to be setting up Ruiz, who is taking more shots/90 than last year (3.49 vs. 3.24), but who is actually getting fewer on goal (1.97 vs. 2.13). That suggests he isn't getting the quality of chances he needs.

Cobi's Age

Time has caught up with Cobi ... in 2002, he had three goals and thirteen assists (1.04 points per 90). That beats his total from the next two seasons, two goals and thirteen assists (0.39 points per 90). What's wrong? Probably, a lot of it is work rate ... in 2002, he drew 2.36 fouls per 90, and in 2004, he's drawn only 1.65. With fresh-legged alternatives like Ngwenya and Torres, why not use Cobi in his natural supersub role?

Hartman's Slump

In 2003, Hartman's save percentage was a brilliant 80.9%. This year, it has dropped to 74.7%. Perhaps that's a reflection on a 2004 backline that loses its shape too easily, or perhaps he just isn't getting it done.


Walking/Running Puppy - Advise needed
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