Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Philadelphia Union: 6 Things We Learned

Two losses on the trot—that is the sorry truth facing the sorry team that is Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy, who lost their 10th game of the season on Independence Day in a 2-1 stinker to John Hackworth's Philadelphia Union at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

With a 6-10-2 record (20 points), there could be some personnel changes on the way. At this stage, any change would be good for this team, because otherwise the Galaxy sure won't be changing their losing ways any time soon.

Here are six things we learned from the Independence Day snafu that took place.

1. History for the Philadelphia Union

This victory was historic.

Thanks to the extra-time efforts of Jack McInerney (the chicken thief for this match) and Michael Farfan, the Union recorded their first ever win over the Los Angeles Galaxy.

With the victory, the Union improve to 4-9-2 (14 points) and have four games in hand over the team above them in the MLS Eastern Conference, the Montreal Impact.

2. Gong Show Football Strikes Again!

This nasty animal we call gong show football, quite frankly, is the reason why we can't have nice things, to paraphrase a famous trope.

The Galaxy played some horrible football. They could not finish their chances.

Even though Los Angeles dominated possession (55.1 percent to 44.9 percent), won more of their duels (57 percent to 42 percent) and had twice as many attempts on goal (16 to eight), it still qualified as gong show football because the Galaxy could not finish if their lives depended on it.

3. David Beckham's Absence Affected the Match

As much as I hate to admit it, the lack of David Beckham in the lineup affected this contest.

Landon Donovan is not the incumbent man behind the set pieces, and Marcelo Sarvas is on the bench for a reason. He simply can't play the center-midfield position as well as Beckham.

Without Beckham in the lineup, the Galaxy could not string together a set of passes with ease, and the Union took advantage of their shortcomings.

4. 45 Minutes from Omar and That Was It

Omar Gonzalez made his return to the lineup, but was only able to play 45 minutes as a precaution.

He did fairly well for a return, making stops and getting some good runs. His touch is still rusty, but the more he returns to fitness, the better the chances that we will see the combo of Sean Franklin, Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza and Todd Dunivant from last year.

As Gonzalez made his way back to the bench in his track suit, he received a standing ovation for his efforts.

5. Chicago May Have the Upper Hand on Sunday

This result might as well play into the hands of the Chicago Fire, who are currently 8-5-4 (28 points) and playing some decent football.

Having gone unbeaten in their last four matches, Frank Klopas will be sure to have looked at this contest and seen something he likes. For example, if the likes of Dominic Oduro can cause Franklin or David Junior Lopes to blow their assignment, this could get ugly at Toyota Park.

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

6. Frank Lampard, Maurice Edu and Jermaine Jones Were at the Match

Dear Frank Lampard, Maurice Edu and Jermaine Jones,

As the beat writer for the Los Angeles Galaxy, it is my hope that the 2-1 defeat to the Philadelphia Union did not become a deal-breaker for your aspirations of signing with this team.

Rather, it should be seen as a cry for help.

Maurice, you have previously experienced life as an MLS star with Toronto. As for the rest of you, it should be very clear that this league needs talent.

You can be the hero, you can be the one that steers this ship and saves the season of the defending MLS Cup Champions or you can return to Europe and pray for starting time at your old club.

I hope you consider answering the team's cry for help and join the LA Galaxy this season. The choice is yours.

Regards,

JR Salazar.