Did the LA Galaxy Do Enough in 1st Leg to Feel Comfortable Heading to Seattle?

After 90 minutes of play in the Western Conference Final, the LA Galaxy hold a 1-0 lead over the Seattle Sounders. 

The score does not represent how well the Galaxy played at StubHub Center on Sunday. Bruce Arena's side dominated the possession battle by earning 60 percent. And they also had some of the better attacking moves forward. 

However, the Galaxy are only ahead by one goal on aggregate after forcing just three of their 20 shots on target against a stingy Seattle back four. The biggest missed opportunity came late in the match, when Chad Marshall slid in to deflect an Alan Gordon shot out of play.

Harry How/Getty Images

Marshall was on the wrong side of a deflection in the 52nd minute, when Marcelo Sarvas' shot hit the center-back on its way into the back of the net. If the deflection did not occur, the Galaxy may still be on level terms with the Sounders. 

As the two sides prepare for the clash in seven days' time at CenturyLink Field, one has to wonder if the Galaxy did enough on their home field to hand themselves a solid advantage. 

In two matches this season in Seattle, the two sides each came out victorious on one occasion. LA thrashed Seattle 3-0 back on July 28 with Marshall out injured. Seattle returned the favor on the final weekend of the regular season with a 2-0 victory to clinch the Supporters' Shield. 

Harry How/Getty Images

Sunday's first leg of the Western Conference Final mirrored the Galaxy's July victory, as they had plenty of success attacking down the left wing against DeAndre Yedlin. If the Galaxy replicate a performance like that once again, we could see them beat Stefan Frei to earn an early away goal in the second leg. 

With the away goals rule now in effect during the MLS Cup playoffs, the Galaxy seem to have the advantage on paper if they can beat Frei at any point during the second leg. However, the Sounders have conceded one goal in their last three home matches. With a back line led by Marshall and Zach Scott, Seattle has given opponents plenty of fits recently at home. 

The other factor that could potentially go against the Galaxy is the health of two key players. A.J. DeLaGarza and Marcelo Sarvas both exited the match in the second half due to injuries. DeLaGarza picked up a knock to his hamstring, while Sarvas was diagnosed with a left thigh contusion. 

DeLaGarza was a key to the Galaxy's success on the right side of the pitch, while Sarvas is a crucial part of the midfield machine alongside Juninho. Replacing DeLaGarza may be easier with Dan Gargan and Todd Dunivant on the bench. But losing Sarvas would absolutely destroy the midfield chemistry he has created with Juninho. 

The possible switch in personnel in midfield could be fatal, especially if Osvaldo Alonso is deemed healthy to play for the second leg. Seattle's midfield maestro picked up a knock in the second leg of the Western Conference Semifinal against FC Dallas. 

Pairing Alonso next to Gonzalo Pineda in the middle of the park against a weakened Galaxy pair may give the Sounders the advantage they need in the possession battle. 

If the Galaxy are without Sarvas, Seattle should be able to control possession more to create chances for Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins. Despite having little impact on the match for long stretches, the duo did combine for the only three shots put on target by the Sounders.

Regardless of who lines up across from them, Dempsey and Martins will be looking to break their respective postseason slumps in the biggest game of the season yet. Alonso is the lone Seattle player to find the back of the net this postseason. 

The Galaxy may have done enough to earn a home victory in the first leg Sunday. But with so many variables in play in the week leading up to the second leg, it is worth questioning if it was enough. 

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90. 

All statistics obtained from MLSSoccer.com.