Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders: 6 Things We Learned

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Bruce Arena is, for what it's worth, a very compulsive gambler. He hoped for a miracle by fielding a virtual B-team of starters and benchwarmers for the Los Angeles Galaxy against the Seattle Sounders...and lost, 2-0, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Wash.

As the Galaxy slink back to the Home Depot Center for Saturday's contest with the New York Red Bulls, here are six things we learned from the midweek tilt in Seattle.

1. No Star Power Equals No Hope for LA

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Bruce Arena elected to sit Robbie Keane, David Beckham and Todd Dunivant, while leaving Edson Buddle and Mike Magee on the bench.

This meant that it was just a simple smash and grab for the Seattle Sounders, who certified themselves as a worthy challenger to the MLS Western Conference-leading San Jose Earthquakes.

2. A Historic Victory for Seattle

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Sigi Schmid's Seattle Sounders have historically been successful against the Los Angeles Galaxy; however, the success had been restricted to U.S. Open Cup matches.

This time around, they put on a complete performance offensively and defensively to record their first-ever home win over the Galaxy in league play and their first-ever league win over Los Angeles in two years.

All good things have to come to an end. And for the Galaxy, it was a fact well learned.

3. The Olympic Dream Dies for David Beckham

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Stuart Pearce had been considering David Beckham for the final roster of Team Great Britain. However, with Beckham given the night off ahead of the blockbuster clash with the New York Red Bulls, it effectively all but ended Becks's Olympic dream.

Tough luck, Mr. Beckham. Stick to watching the Games on TV.

4. Sounders Dominate in a Number of Key Stats...and Intangibles

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It wasn't just the 40th minute header by Eddie Johnson or a potential Goal of the Week by Fredy Montero in the 48th minute that told the story for the Seattle Sounders.

Seattle had more shots on goal (five to one), more attempts on goal (12 to 11) and won more duels (53 percent to 46 percent).

Despite the Galaxy leading in other categories like passing accuracy (77 to 76 percent), total passes (446 to 384), open play crosses (18 to 15), and ball possession (53.7 percent to 46.3 percent), the visible difference in talent and skill was the determining factor in the match: the Sounders starters vs. the Galaxy B-team.

5. Western Conference Race Playing into Seattle's Hands

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With the victory, the Seattle Sounders improve to 5-1-1 (16 points) and continue to chase the San Jose Earthquakes, Real Salt Lake and Vancouver Whitecaps.

The good news for Seattle is that they have at least one game in hand over each of the teams above them, and as they ride a four-match unbeaten streak, the MLS Western Conference race is playing into Seattle's hands.

6. LA Are in Trouble Heading into Match with New York

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A positive result against the Sounders would have worked wonders for the Galaxy heading into Saturday's match at home to New York.

The loss puts Los Angeles in a must-win situation against a Red Bulls team that has one of the most dangerous scorers in the league in Thierry Henry.

A preview of this match will be posted later this week on Bleacher Report and the View from Victoria Street.