When Galaxy fans received word that Gyasi Zardes was starting at right back, they could be forgiven for believing the team were in for a long afternoon.

However, a Romain Alessandrini second-half free kick kept the scoreboard respectable as LA fell to Sporting Kansas City Sunday afternoon at Children’s Mercy Park.

SKC got on the board in the 18th minute when Dániel Sallói eluded Michael Ciani with a near post run and re-directed a Graham Zusi cross past Clement Diop.

Sporting would double the lead in the 35th minute when left back Seth Sinovic surged ahead collected a pass on the left flank before squaring to Diego Rubio for a tap-in.

After consecutive 4-0 defeats to Toronto and Atlanta you might have expected LA to capitulate, but the Galaxy fought on, and surprisingly got back into the match when Romain Alessandrini brilliantly curved a free kick on the top of the box into the left corner.

However, Sporting would manage to pull out the victory. LA head home to battle RSL next Saturday.