With Philidelphia Union and LAFC toping their respective conferences, both DC United and LA Galaxy were in search of three points heading into their weekend games. While LAFCs claiming of the Supporters Shield looks inevitable, there is still much to play for in the MLS Eastern Conference.
The game, despite being dominated by LA Galaxy, ended in a 2-1 win for DC United. These vital points helped DC climb back into third in the East after both New York teams lost their respective games. LA Galaxy will kick themselves for not being clinical in this game, as three points would have seen them return to second place behind their hometown rivals. Find out exactly how this exciting matchup played out in this MLS tactical analysis.
Lineups
LA Galaxy lined up in a predictable 4-2-3-1 with Zlatan Ibrahimović returning to the side after missing the sides last game against Atlanta United. Diego Polenta, who also missed the loss to the defending champions through suspension, returned to the starting lineup.
Perhaps more surprisingly, Ben Olsens team featured no Wayne Rooney or Luciano Acosta. Acosta took up a spot on the substitutes bench, and Wayne Rooney missed out altogether through an apparent illness. This sparked a change in tactics from Ben Olsen, who started in a 4-4-2. The 4-4-2 has been Olsens second most common formation this season (17% of games), behind the 4-2-3-1 (33% of games). However, in three of the four games leading up to this match, Olsen has lined up in a variant of three/five at the back.
DC Uniteds defensive shape
Right from the get-go, DC United lined up in a 4-4-2 when defending. The two blocks of four held their position while the two (Paul Arriola and Quincy Amarikwa) pressed the ball carriers. The setup was very narrow but attempted to meet LA Galaxys ball carrier higher up the field.
These defensive tactics required DCs forwards to press high, especially when LA Galaxy were playing out the back from deep. This high-intensity pressure usually followed a DC possession loss. As soon as DC lost the ball, there was an immediate push to either win the ball back or force LA Galaxy to play long. If the press was unsuccessful, the team would revert back to their 4-4-2. We can see this high press in the passage of play below.
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