What turned out to be Steven Gerrard's last home game in an LA Galaxy shirt, it was a first leg that saw the home side gain the upper hand though not dance all over the party.
Now with hindsight on our side, it unfolded over two legs that Colorado Rapids had the clinical edge to keep cool under penalty conditions to sail into the next round of the MLS playoffs. Scenes under a grey scale setting, there was plenty to tuck in on in enjoying the Californian way. The water is most certainly warm despite the end result. Galaxy fans may beg to differ though the Colorado fans will continue to party with the playoffs.
A bigger scoreline on home soil would have offered the Galaxy an outlet though it wasn't meant to be. Big names on the pitch though injuries providing stumbling blocks, the season took is toll in not letting LA Galaxy look at a the prospect of a 6th MLS Cup trophy.
One last look at the Stub Hub centre while it's dressed in 2016 LA colours, 2017 looms already, minus Steven Gerrard but plus who? The close season, always a chance to take stock and re-work the state of play. We go again.
Photography by Godspeedgoodsir.
