A tie and a home loss in the last two games is not the kind of playoff form the Galaxy need on the home stretch. But really couldn’t you see it coming with two rookies on the back line against RSL’s explosive, experienced attack?

Blowing a lead, losing a chance to go second in the conference and likely finding themselves fourth later Sunday if Seattle win as expected over Portland is the definiton of choking. The exact thing the Galaxy didn’t want looms: a playoff against the fifth-place team to qualify for the two-leg semifinals.

Galaxy coach Bruce Arena was in no mood after the game to reflect on what it means for the club in the standings, deflecting questions that were asked on the subject.

One thing is clear: seasons can turn on games like this.

Scott French has the game story.

Next: at San Jose Oct. 21 in the penultimate game of the regular season.