LA Galaxy Can't Handle Pressure in 2-1 Columbus Loss

After Paintsil played Gabriel Pec in behind the Crew defense, Pec shot near post to score his first goal of the MLS season in the 86th minute to make it 2-1 and give his team hope of stealing a draw.

Just three minutes later, Galaxy fans were almost treated to a moment of delirium when the ball fell kindly for Pec. The Brazilian drew his left leg back and curled a shot that headed toward goal, only for the ball to crash off the bar. Although the visitors threatened again, they couldn't break through, and the three points stayed with Columbus.

And in truth, it was a deserved win for the Crew.

To get an idea of how utterly dominant the hosts were before Pec's strike, the Galaxy produced no shots and no big chances on goal.

Vanney’s team had no answer for Columbus’ press. Not only did the Crew seem more energetic, but they outplayed the Galaxy for large stretches of the match. Their pressure across the field was stifling, preventing LA from crossing into the opposing half for the majority of the first 45 minutes.

One of those high-press moments turned into the first goal for the Ohio team. After Maya Yoshida misplaced a pass directly to the Crew attack, Columbus Midfielder Hugo Picard would cross for Daniel Gazdag to score the opener just before halftime. Diego Rossi would keep his cool through traffic after receiving a Max Arfsten pass, to slot home the strike and increase the Crew's lead to two just moments after the second half had started.

Despite Pec's attempts at heroics, Rossi's goal would prove to be the game-winner.

The three dropped points are bad news for the Galaxy, but an early injury to Defender Julian Aude saw him subbed off, adding to the bad night. Worse yet, Vanney revealed in the Galaxy’s post-match press conference that Designated Player João Klauss will have surgery for an injury sustained against Dallas and be out until after the World Cup break.

LA Galaxy Attacker Ruben Ramos Jr., made his second start for the Galaxy in LA's 2-1 away loss to the Columbus Crew on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Photo Credit: LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy Attacker Ruben Ramos Jr., made his second start for the Galaxy in LA's 2-1 away loss to the Columbus Crew on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

Somehow, Vanney will have to field a team competitive enough to give a streaking RSL side a match at home on Sunday, April 26, for Cobi Jones Statue Unveil night.

Academy product Ruben Ramos Jr. got the start against Columbus, and due to Klauss’ injury, could see a lot more time soon, starting with the match against Real Salt Lake. Ramos Jr. says he and whoever might get the call are ready.

“Obviously, the injuries are unfortunate, one after another, but whoever's next man up has to be ready for the opportunity and just have a great mentality to go into the games, get points, and play strong for the team. Because injuries are like that, we just have to have a second man up [mentality] and just be mentally prepared.”