Galaxy-Rapids Post-Game Quotes, Photos

AP Photos by Branimir Kvartuc

Rookie Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez scores his first-ever MLS goal Saturday.

Game story.

And here's the Denver perspective. The Galaxy have less flair (isn't that a Facebook application?) is the conclusion.

Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena delivered his (short) post-game news conference dryly, but with undisguised anger.

Here's what didn't get in the game story for space reasons:

"It was unbelievable (to be 2-1 ahead) ... after we somehow managed to give up a goal in the opening kick off - with the kick off in our favor. There were an incredible number of mental mistakes tonight. I'm embarrassed for our fans and our organization - that's what I told our team. There's no excuses for some of the goals we gave up tonight."

Conor Casey 3 Dema Kovalenko 0

"Let's not shy away from it - that was a poor performance. ... We have to work to make this team better, but I cannot tell you how disappointed I am at some of the individual performances tonight and some of the decision making."

Here's Arena on the defensive breakdown that led to the third goal:

"Defender (Sean) Franklin was stripped of the ball I believe - it was (midfielder Colin) Clark, perhaps - and I believe Omar was looking to play him offsides and he and Sanneh were not connecting at all. And Sanneh probably kept the player on-sides. ... Sanneh was probably dropped off a good five yards off of Gonzalez. I think Conor Casey was kept on-sides."

No-one had more questions for him. But I think that pretty much summed it up.

Here's Landon Donovan on Kovalenko's tackle:

"There were a few tackles in the first half on both sides that were a little bit nasty. Dema maybe has a reputation, too, that kind of hurts him. I haven't seen the play, but it was a hard tackle. You can't put yourself in that position, you can't let the referee make that decision."

Here's Donovan on the way the goals were scored:

"If they put together 30 passes and score a great goal, then you say OK. But to make it so easy for them is unacceptable and guys need to be held accountable. It can't happen."

Here's Chris Klein on whether the red card was the turning point of the game:

"No. The first 15-16 seconds of the game is unacceptable. Giving up a goal after we go up 2-1 is unacceptable. Dema - he's knows better. But even still we can get back in the game. Was that the turning point? No. It was just one factor of many."

I spoke to Gregg Berhalter in the locker room after the game. I'll post that conversation Sunday.

Highlights: