No goals ... but ‘most complete’ performance

The Union benefitted from some wasteful finishing by the Galaxy (2-5-1, 7 points), who are in nearly as dire a spot in the standings, but with a heftier wage bill full of playmakers not making plays. A few wayward clearances from the back in the first half went unpunished, and the closest approximation to a highlight in a dour affair came in the 21st minute when Joao Pedro’s 30-yard strike caromed off both posts and improbably out to the waiting arms of Andre Blake, the floppyhaired Brazilian tossing up his hands in disbelief.

Blake made three saves, only a low denial of a fleetfooted Ema Boateng in the 32nd minute particularly taxing. Ceding 63 percent of possession, the Union found themselves defending often, and with Curtin smartly opting for Derrick Jones to replace Roland Alberg after 65 minutes, they bunkered in.

“We talked a lot this week about being organized defensively,” Curtin said. “It started with keeping a clean sheet. That was the goal for the night. We’re only going to get points if we’re able to do that. So, from that standpoint I thought it was a great effort from our guys. Really proud of the group staying together. Obviously a very talented Galaxy team with a bunch of guys that can make a play, and we were able to neutralize them.”

“It was a great point for us,” Blake said. “Great shutout. I think the guys, they fought really hard tonight, and we stuck together, and I think overall it was a great performance defensively. We didn’t get three points but we’re pretty happy with getting a point and getting a clean sheet.”

Laudable though the effort was, it certainly wasn’t a panacea for the Union’s ills. They have as many points in the Pacific Time Zone this season (two) than in the East.

But it’s something. And in the kingdom of the winless team, the draw is if not king, at least a suitable interim so far from the throne.