Guillermo Barros Schelotto did say he wanted his team to control games through possession.

Though the scoreline might not reflect it, the LA Galaxy were utterly dominant Saturday night in Carson. Yes Minnesota came to play on the counter-attack, but the blue and gold posted some impressive attacking statistics: 62% total possession, 575 total passes (including over 200 in the final third!) and 20 shots on goal. LA alternated between holding onto the ball and banging in crosses from the wings, and for the most part the Loons were overwhelmed. Only a David Bingham gaffe made it a contest late.

LA’s comprehensive performance can best be exemplified by their mesmerizing second goal in the 42nd minute. After lulling Minnesota to sleep with a series of passing triangles up and down the pitch, Rolf Feltscher made a decisive run behind the flat-footed Francisco Calvo and sent a square ball across the box for Chris Pontius to push across the line.

Has all the hard work by the coaching staff has paid off? It appears so.