LA Galaxy

Discussion in 'Americas' started by EPJr, Jun 28, 2010.

  1. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    Mike Magee Named MLS Player of the Week

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    LA Galaxy forward Mike Magee was named the MLS Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters today after registering the first hat trick of his MLS career in Sunday's 4-0 win over the Chicago Fire at The Home Depot Center. Magee scored in the 38th, 68th and 74th minutes to give his team a 3-0 lead en route to a season opening victory. This is the second Player of the Week award of Magee's MLS career and first since June 2011.

    Now in his fifth season with the Galaxy and 11th in MLS, Magee had nine goals in all competitions last season, including three in the MLS Cup Playoffs. This was the third multi-goal game of the 28-year-old's MLS career and second as a member of the Galaxy, having scored twice in a 3-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC on September 17, 2011. His hat trick was the first by a Galaxy player since September 20, 2008 when Landon Donovan scored three times in a 5-2 home win over D.C. United.
     
  2. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    Red Card Dooms Bad Luck Rapids

    -LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano gives his Three Points to the LA Galaxy's 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids.

    RED CARD DOOMS BAD LUCK RAPIDS

    The Colorado Rapids managed to get into halftime with the score tied 0-0 despite having to make two changes in the opening 45 minutes because of injuries and the Galaxy taking 14 shots compared to just one for the visitors. But a red card in the 48th minute doomed the Rapids.

    Referee Armando Villarreal issued a red card to the Rapids' Drew Moor after he struck Marcelo Sarvas in the face off the ball. The foul happened inside the box leading to a penalty kick which Mike Magee slotted home for his fourth goal of the season. Following the goal, Colorado was forced to burn their third substitution just 52 minutes into the game.

    Up a man and facing a Rapids side that was short on MLS experience, the Galaxy controlled the pace of the game in the second half as they pushed ahead for a second goal, which they were unable to collect. But perhaps more profound was that they were able to close off the match, something they were unable to due in last week's draw against Chivas USA.

    MCBEAN AND VILLARREAL SHOW CHEMISTRY AND FLASHES OF DANGER BUT NO GOALS

    Jose Villarreal and Jack McBean resumed their Academy and Reserve League partnership as they filled in for the absent Robbie Keane, but while they were dangerous; neither could find the back of the net.

    Throughout the match, the pair displayed a seamless connection as they repeatedly found one another in open spaces to generate scoring opportunities. However, despite the teenage duo wreaking havoc on a poor Colorado defense, they were ultimately unable to get past Colorado's Clint Irwin and were kept off the scoresheet. The stats at the end of the night were the most telling as Villarreal rattled off three shots on goal in 67 minutes of action while McBean added four shots on goal during a full 90 minute shift.

    Although neither was able to find the back of the net, expect the pair to remain a major part of Bruce Arena's rotation in the near future.

    IRWIN CAN'T SAVE COLORADO

    It was a devastating night for the Colorado Rapids with a red card, two injuries and a loss, but Oscar Pareja will leave The Home Depot Center impressed by the play of his young goalkeeper Clint Irwin.

    The 'keeper received little to no help from his patchwork defense that conceded chance after chance to the Galaxy during the run of play, but he managed to able to keep LA out of the back of the net in the opening 45 minutes. However, he was finally beaten in the 52nd minute when Mike Magee slotted a penalty kick past him after Drew Moor was sent off for striking Marcelo Sarvas inside the penalty area. At the end of the night, Irwin notched eight saves to solidify his presence as Colorado's number one 'keeper. With starter Matt Pickens out for several months with a broken leg, expect Irwin to see heavy minutes as Colorado look to recover from their early season slide.
     
  3. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    Villarreal Lifts Galaxy to 2-2 Draw

    Goals by a veteran attacker and a rookie midfielder simply weren't enough for Toronto FC to upset the LA Galaxy on Saturday afternoon, as a stunning stoppage-time goal by Jose Villarreal helped the defending MLS Cup champions salvage a 2-2 draw in front of 18,335 fans at BMO Field.

    Mike Magee also scored his league-leading fifth goal of the season for the Galaxy (2-0-2), who welcomed star forward Landon Donovan back into the mix for the first time in 2013 after he returned to the club earlier this week following his winter hiatus.

    But goals by Robert Earnshaw and Jonathan Osorio nearly gave Toronto FC (1-2-1) the headlines in what was nearly their second win in as many games at home this season. Earnshaw scored his team-high fourth goal in the 29th minute off a bad back pass from Galaxy defender Leonardo to erase a Magee goal in the 16th minute, and then the rookie Osorio scored his first career MLS goal in the 78th minute to give TFC a late 2-1 lead.

    That goal was set up by Toronto star midfielder Luis Silva, who returned from injury and made the first appearance of his sophomore campaign as a second-half substitute. The 4th overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft skirted Galaxy and US national team defender Omar Gonzalez on the left flank and beat him to the end line before skipping a cross into the box that Osorio pounded home.

    But the last laugh belonged to Villarreal, who scored his first goal of the season in the second minute of stoppage time on a scissor kick after TFC right back Darel Russell headed an LA cross back in front of the Toronto goal and right to Villarreal.

    Donovan, who had not appeared in a competitive match since the Galaxy's MLS Cup win last December, came on for youngster Jack McBean in the 61st minute and was immediately given the captain's armband by veteran defender Todd Dunivant. Donovan almost immediately made an impact when some poor defending by Toronto in the midfield allowed Magee to send Donovan in alone on goalkeeper Joe Bendik, but Donovan scuffed his shot after more than four months away from the game. He didn't feature prominently over the final 25 minutes of the match.

    The Galaxy return to action on Wednesday against Mexican side Monterrey at The Home Depot Center in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals. Tickets still available as low as $12.50.
     
  4. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    LA Galaxy Fall 1-0 to FC Dallas

    LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano offers his Three Points to the LA Galaxy's 1-0 defeat to FC Dallas on Saturday night at FC Dallas Stadium.

    RED CARD KILLS GALAXY PUSH FORWARD

    Following a drab first half, the LA Galaxy were knocking on the door with two chances early in the second half, but LA's attacking mindset took a major blow after a red card was issued to Leonardo in the 60th minute of play. LA would earn a penalty kick of their own eight minutes later, with Raul Fernandez denying Landon Donovan, but their chances from the run of play fell off almost completely.

    Ultimately, rather than push for a go-ahead goal, the Galaxy were forced to make a pair of defensive-minded substitutions as Arena opted to remove Jack McBean and Marcelo Sarvas in favor of Tommy Meyer and Rafael Garcia. LA's defensive shell held- even creating several opportunities on the counter attack- but in the 87th minute, FC Dallas defender George John headed in the rebound of a David Ferreira corner kick to give FC Dallas a 1-0 victory. LA threw numbers forward following the goal including playing Omar Gonzalez as a target striker, but could not find a late equalizer.

    The Leonardo red card could play have huge repercussions for the Brazilian defender's place in the starting XI as Tommy Meyer was solid in his first match since the preseason and will likely have a starting role against Sporting Kansas City next weekend with Leonardo suspended.

    TWO HUGE PENALTY KICK SAVES PROVIDE DRAMA

    It's not often that a game contains a penalty kick save, let alone two, but there was drama on high in the LA Galaxy's 1-0 defeat to FC Dallas.

    The first penalty call came in the 60th minute when referee Baldomero Toledo whistled Galaxy center back Leonardo for hindering the scoring opportunity of Blas Perez, leading to the Brazilian's ejection.

    Kenny Cooper stepped up to take the penalty, but Carlo Cudicini dove to his right to stop the penalty, which was subsequently cleared for a corner. The save was the first by a Galaxy 'keeper since April 21, 2012 when Josh Saunders saved an Omar Cummings penalty to preserve a 2-1 LA win in Colorado.

    Eight minutes later, the Galaxy had an opportunity of their own from the penalty spot when Jose Villarreal was brought down by George John inside the box. Landon Donovan stepped up to take the penalty, but he too went to the right, only to see his shot saved by FCD 'keeper Raul Fernandez. A miss from the penalty spot is a rarity for Donovan, who is now 34 for 38 all time in MLS regular season and postseason play and he had not missed a regular season penalty since the 2011 season.

    COCHRANE MAKES HIS MLS DEBUT IN LOSS

    A knock suffered against Monterrey forced Todd Dunivant from the Galaxy's game day roster on Saturday, allowing rookie Greg Cochrane to make his professional debut.

    The rookie from Louisville was dealt a difficult task as he was matched up against FCD's dynamic Brazilian winger Jackson, but did not appear to shrink from the challenge as he was able to neutralize the attacker for much of the game. Cochrane also provided a spark on the offense side as he sent in several dangerous crosses while also forcing a save from Raul Fernandez in the 59th minute of play. However, his best moment came in the 61st minute when following Carlo Cudicini's penalty kick save, he made a last gasp clearance to prevent a rebound shot.

    Cochrane has already drawn rave reviews from coaches and teammates for his poise on the training field and after a solid performance against Dallas, the rookie should continue to be a part of the club's rotation in the future.
     
  5. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

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    Robbie Rogers "always welcome to train" with LA Galaxy, says manager Bruce Arena
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    few weeks after retiring from professional soccer following his revelation that he is gay, US midfielder Robbie Rogers showed signs that he was rethinking his decision.

    In a March 29 interview with The Guardian in England, Rogers said: "I might ask [manager] Bruce Arena if I can train with the LA Galaxy -- we'll see."

    Well, Arena on Wednesday said the door at the Galaxy is open to Rogers.

    “He'd always be welcome to train with us," Arena said. "I'm in contact with players and people all the time in the game, and I don't make my conversations or communications public. They don't need to be. But he's always welcome to train with us.”

    http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...come-train-la-galaxy-says-manager-bruce-arena
     
  6. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    Galaxy victorious

    The LA Galaxy's return to a familiar back four paid dividends and Landon Donovan's return to familiar form, or something close to it, informed an often inspirational performance as the reigning MLS Cup champions ended Sporting Kansas City's month-long unbeaten run with a 2-0 decision at The Home Depot Center on Saturday night.

    Donovan set up Marcelo Sarvas' 27th-minute tap-in and finished a Robbie Keane feed in the 74th as the Galaxy (3-1-2) won for the first time since a March 23 victory over Colorado and handed the Eastern Conference leaders their first defeat in six games, since the second week of the season.

    Both goals came from counterattacks, as did several other decent chances, and the first ended Sporting's 545-minute shutout streak, the fifth-longest in MLS history and No. 2 in KC's annals.

    It was a spirited battle, one deserving of an encounter between two of the league's best clubs, and the Galaxy were a step quicker and quite sharper from start to finish. Donovan was pivotal in that, giving his best performance - as a mostly left-sided midfielder until the final 25 minutes and up top the rest of the way - since returning late last month from a nearly four-month sabbatical.

    The Galaxy had close to a first-choice lineup, with Robbie Keane, Todd Dunivant and Sean Franklin returning after recovering from minor injuries and, in Leonardo's absence after last week's red card, Bruce Arena fielded the first-choice backline from their championship campaigns for the first time since the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals at Herediano back on March 3.

    With Omar Gonzalez and A.J. DeLaGarza reunited in central defense, Sean Franklin back at right back and Todd Dunivant on the left, with ample support from, especially, Juninho in midfield, LA's defensive organization was superb, a big stride forward after three successive losses, two to Monterrey in CCL play, in which they surrendered late goals.

    Sporting (4-2-1) had opportunities but rarely challenged Carlo Cudicini, beating the Italian goalkeeper just once - a Graham Zusi free kick from just outside the box in the 20th minute - with a shot that caromed off the crossbar.

    The Galaxy's best opportunities came from counters. Twice Jack McBean was sent streaking into the box, but he couldn't get off a shot and won corner kicks both times, and Robbie Keane had three chances to score when sent in alone, twice after Donovan had netted the second goal.

    Sarvas scored after a Sporting giveaway in midfield and despite a hand ball that referee Jair Marrufo missed.

    McBean headed away a Zusi free kick, Benny Feilhaber tracked it down and tried to pass it back and toward the middle for Oriol Rosell, who slipped to the turf. Sarvas raced in to win the ball, briefly handling it before feeding Donovan for an open run down the left channel. Donovan took the ball into the box, eluded Aur�lien Collin and slotted the the middle, where Sarvas tapped it home.

    Sporting pushed forward seeking an equalizer when the Galaxy struck again. Sarvas fed Robbie Keane a through ball from Galaxy territory, and the Irishman was streaking alone when Paulo Nagamura fell. He took the ball to the box and played it to the right for Donovan, who fired into an empty net.

    The Galaxy next travel to Real Salt Lake on April 27, while Sporting KC host Portland that same evening.
     
  7. Jingles

    Jingles New Member

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    Thanks for all the updates
    Man, these are some pretty intense games!
     
  8. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    Brian Rowe Puts in Masterful Performance to Seal LA Galaxy Win over RSL

    Brian Rowe couldn't have scripted a finer MLS debut. Not even in his wildest dreams.

    Starting in place of the injured Carlo Cudicini, Rowe was given the task of shutting down a high-powered Real Salt Lake side on the road while tending the net of a Galaxy team that was without several of its biggest stars. And he performed masterfully.

    Rowe, 24, made seven saves in a standout performance as the Galaxy notched a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake to seal his first career MLS shutout. Less than a year after being cut by Chivas USA, the club that drafted him in the second round of MLS Supplemental Draft, and serving time as a league pool goalkeeper, Rowe was the vision of confidence.

    But like any youngster, there were a few jitters that needed to be quickly discarded.

    "It had been a little while since I had been in a big game like that. It was so exciting and a lot of fun," Rowe told reporters on Saturday. "I was glad that we were able to get two early goals to settle in a little bit, then I made that first save and it felt comfortable and natural after that."

    Those two early goals from Mike Magee and Charlie Rugg offered the Galaxy a cushion from which to operate, but after LA's early spurts forward, RSL controlled much of the tempo. Despite making seven saves on the night, Rowe could have faced greater danger if not for LA's resolute defense, which denied RSL several times.

    As he looked to settle between the pipes, Rowe admitted that the presence of veteran defenders like Omar Gonzalez and A.J. DeLaGarza was vital to his success.

    "It was huge. Having their experience made my job a lot easier," said Rowe. "All the guys in front of me did a great job shutting down the players so it made it easy for me."

    Rowe was particularly commanding in the box as he developed a penchant for cutting off RSL crosses by catching two and punching away three others. For all his presence in the box, Rowe was still asked to make several key saves and he aptly delivered. But none was larger than his save off a pointblank chance from RSL forward Devon Sandoval that sealed the shutout for LA.

    "The ball hit the post a few times and bounced off his thigh then was just in-between us," said Rowe of his save on Sandoval. "I came out and he hit off me and bounced off one of their guys and went out."

    Following the match, Galaxy stand-in captain Mike Magee said he "was thought Brian Rowe was the best player on the field" and LA head coach Bruce Arena agreed.

    "He was outstanding. There's no other way to put it," said Arena. "We obviously felt that, coming into the game, that he's a good goalkeeper. However he had no experience in the league. You're always concerned in the first few minutes of the game, but he looked pretty composed right from the start. He had a good save early, and had great concentration to make a bunch of saves throughout the evening. As I said, I thought he was outstanding."

    After a stellar debut, Rowe will likely look to solidify his spot as the club's number two goalkeeper behind Cudicini as Brian Perk returns to full fitness. However, the former MLS pool 'keeper isn't worried about any of that; he's simply looking to enjoy the moment.

    "I'm taking it day by day," said a beaming Rowe. "It was fun to get the first game and get a result like this so I couldn't anything more."
     
  9. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    Chandler Hoffman Bags First Goal for the LA Galaxy as he Looks for First Team Debut

    Chandler Hoffman has scored plenty of meaningful goals in his years kicking around a soccer ball, but his first in an LA Galaxy uniform meant something extra to the young forward.

    Since being acquired from the Philadelphia Union for a conditional 2014 MLS SuperDraft pick on March 1, Hoffman has found himself on the fringes of the first team. Without a first team debut to date, Reserve League appearances become that much important for Hoffman.

    In his third appearance with LA's reserves, Hoffman finally found the back of the net in the 17th minute of LA's 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Blues. Partnered alongside the speedy Gyasi Zardes, Hoffman was dangerous throughout as the pair terrorized the USL Pro defense.

    The goal was classic Hoffman as the former UCLA hit man made a darting run sneaking behind the defense and easily tapped in a Hector Jimenez cross into the back of the net.

    "It was the first goal in a Galaxy jersey and hopefully the first of many," Hoffman told reporters. "I was making runs in behind [the defense] and Hector played a great ball and I just finished. [Gyasi] is ideal for me because he can get behind [the defense] and provide a lot of havoc for the defenders and I can sneak in and make runs into the box, which is my favorite thing to do for me to score goals."

    Hoffman's goal wasn't his only dangerous moment over his 90 minute period as he repeatedly tested the defense, even getting a chance at goal in the second half when the score was at 4-1, though he was unable to finish. Despite the Blues' late push, which saw a 4-0 lead become a 4-3 final, Hoffman drew positive reviews for his performance, particularly after a difficult showing in LA's last reserve defeat to Real Salt Lake.

    "He's intelligent. He makes smart little runs behind [the defense]," said Assistant coach and Reserve League head coach Curt Onalfo. "He scores a goal and that's the job of a forward is to score goals and be menacing. He put in a good shift over 90 minutes."

    Next week Hoffman will return to PPL Park where the 13th overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft made just seven appearances for the Union. There will be plenty of differences: walking into a different locker room, catching up with former teammate and college friend Amobi Okugo in a different uniform, but the youngster is undoubtedly looking forward to returning to the stadium where he spent his first year in MLS.

    "I spent my first year there so it'll be good to be back in that stadium, but obviously, we'll want to get three points and it'll be business once we step in there," said Hoffman. "I had a great time there and the coaching staff was fabulous to me, but obviously, I want to show that I deserved to be on the field more than I was and that's any player's goal. To prove that they belong and that they deserve to be a 90 minute player."

    His first goal in an LA uniform in the books, Hoffman must now look to build on his performance on the training field. Ever the clever forward, the 22-year-old Hoffman sees an opportunity to force his way into the conversation for first team minutes in the coming weeks- if he can improve his game.

    "We've got a lot of games coming up. We've got a big road trip then with Jose [Villarreal] being gone [for the U.S. U-20's], Jack [McBean] being injured and Robbie [Keane] possibly being gone for World Cup Qualifiers, there's going to be opportunities and I just need to step up and be ready for them," Hoffman said. "I need to get a little bit better holding the ball up and using my body a little bit better and just being super sharp in front of goal."
     
  10. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

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    Robbie Rogers to join LA Galaxy;
    trade to send Mike Magee to Chicago Fire

    [​IMG]

    US international and former Columbus Crew midfielder Robbie Rogers looks set to return to playing and to MLS.

    USAToday.com is reporting that Rogers, who stepped away from playing after announcing in February that he is gay, will join the LA Galaxy, with whom he has been training for the past few weeks.

    Rogers, 26, would be the first openly gay player in MLS and, upon making his debut for the Galaxy, and the first openly gay athlete to play in competition in the five major North American leagues.

    "I want to come back and be that voice, be that role model," Rogers told USAToday.com. "I want to compete on the field. I want to make it back to the national team. I want to be a role model. I have a lot of motivating factors working for me right now

    http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...-la-galaxy-trade-send-mike-magee-chicago-fire
     
  11. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    LA Galaxy fall 5-0 to New England Revolution

    The LA Galaxy dominated the ball, but the New England Revolution were the ones who found the net - repeatedly -  as they demolished the defending champions by a 5-0 count at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.

    Behind a goal and an assist from ***undez and a goal and two assists from second-half substitute Kelyn Rowe, the Revs scored four times in the second 45 to win their third straight league game and left the shorthanded Galaxy wondering how their edge in possession failed to replicate their four-goal form from last weekend's rout of Seattle.

    The final result spoke volumes about the Revolution's incisiveness and precision in the final third on a wonderful afternoon for the home side. Saer Sene celebrated his first start since August with his first goal since returning from an ACL tear. Lee Nguyen grabbed the second after 71 minutes to secure the result before ***undez, Chad Barrett and Rowe struck in the late stages to complete the scoreline.

    The visitors arrived less than an hour before kickoff due to heavy traffic in the Boston area. But despite missing starters Omar Gonzalez and Robbie Keane to international duty, they did not take long to assert control over the match in the early stages. Gyasi Zardes lashed off the side netting after just two minutes to sound a warning before Juninho forced Bobby Shuttleworth to parry over the bar.

    Landon Donovan then squandered a pair of opportunities as the Galaxy attempted to translate their territorial dominance into the opening goal, but the home side eventually dashed those plans with the well-worked opener after 33 minutes.

    Sene drifted into a vacant area on the right side and picked up the ball on the Revolution counter. The French striker cut inside and played a neat one-two with ***undez on the edge of the penalty area. He capped off the move by latching onto the perfectly weighted return pass and slotting home off the far post.

    The visitors regrouped after halftime and took control of the possession in a bid to procure the equalizer. Instead of finding a way to collect it, the Galaxy instead conceded in a manner that left Bruce Arena fuming on the sidelines.

    Arena and his players protested bitterly after referee Fotis Bazakos and assistant referee Adam Garner conflicted on a call between a Galaxy throw and a Revolution free kick. Bazakos overruled Garner's flag with his foul call and permitted ***undez to play a quick free kick to catch out the visitors.

    Nguyen entered the penalty area and tucked his effort through Tommy Meyer's legs and inside the near post to double the Revolution advantage.

    ***undez grabbed the goal his work on the day deserved three minutes from time after an enterprising run from the right side. Barrett nicked a goal against his former side in second-half stoppage time before Rowe offered the perfect ending with a sumptuous curling strike mere seconds before the final whistle.

    New England improve to 5-4-4 with the win and pull even on points in the Eastern Conference with fifth-place Philadelphia. The Revolution next host reeling D.C. United on June 8.

    LA, meanwhile, fall to 6-5-2 and remain in fourth place in the West, even on points with Colorado. The next head to Real Salt Lake, also on June 8.
     
  12. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    Gio dos Santos gets Galaxy offer

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    The Los Angeles Galaxy has made an $8 million offer to 24-year-old Mexico team winger Giovani dos Santos, who was a point of contention last week as his club, Mallorca, battled La Liga relegation without success.
     
  13. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    LA Galaxy lose 3-1

    Olmes Garcia came off the bench to score two late goals and propel Real Salt Lake to a 3-1 win over the LA Galaxy on Saturday night at Rio Tinto Stadium.

    The Colombian forward came on as a substitute in the 58th minute, and immediately made an impact with his speed and long runs. And with the game still tied at 1-1, Garcia headed home the game-winner in the 84th minute, timing his run perfectly to beat his defender to a cross from playmaker Javier Morales.

    The icing-on-the-cake tally came on another feed from Morales, this time on a breakaway in second-half stoppage time.

    After a feeling-out period to start the game, things heated up after the first 20 minutes with both teams striking the woodwork. First it was RSL's Khari Stephenson nailing the left post on a free kick. Then LA's Jose Villarreal responded with a searing drive of his own that slammed against the crossbar, just moments after he tested Nick Rimando on a curling free kick.

    It was the prelude to the fireworks at the end of the first half.

    Stephenson came back to find the back of the net in the 44th minute with a right-footed blast from outside the box. LA 'keeper Brian Rowe was shielded on the play and couldn't react in time to stop the low drive.

    Landon Donovan leveled things just two minutes later in first-half stoppage time. The Galaxy star challenged RSL central defender Nat Borchers on a header at the top of the box. The ball ricocheted between the two before landing perfectly for Donovan, who used textbook technique to bang a shot that beat Rimando to the far post.

    The chances were few and far between in the second half as both teams applied suffocating pressure in the middle of the field. With the entrance of Garcia and fellow forward Devon Sandoval, RSL began throwing numbers forward late in the match with two brilliant finishes by Garcia ultimately deciding the match.

    RSL are back in action on Wednesday when they host USL-Pro side Charleston Battery in the 4th round of the US Open Cup. The Galaxy, already eliminated from the Open Cup, have a league bye next weekend, returning to face the Portland Timbers at the StubHub Center on June 19.
     
  14. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

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    Re: LA Galaxy lose 3-1

    LA Galaxy unveil fan-created third jersey inspired by 1996 kit
    [​IMG]

    The LA Galaxy are connecting past and present with their new third jersey.

    Unveiling the new design over the weekend, the new jersey, as designed by Galaxy fan Carlos Rodriguez and elected as the fans' choice, incorporates the colors used in the original 1996 Galaxy jersey, with green, yellow and red on a black base, making for an eye-catching combination of 1996 and 2013 styles.

    The green, yellow and red colors are significant in that they are the colors on the City of Los Angeles flag. Although the regular Galaxy home and away jerseys do not currently incorporate those colors, the third jersey is intended to provide a link both to the past and also to the location of the team.

    http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...eated-third-jersey-inspired-1996-kit-sideline
     
  15. truebluefan

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    Offense Lacking in 0-0 Draw with Portland

    Neither the LA Galaxy nor the Portland Timbers could find any sustained pressure Wednesday night, and the result was a hard-fought, but ultimately fruitless 0-0 draw at the newly christened StubHub Center.

    Sean Franklin hit the right post with a bouncing header and Timbers center back Pa-Modou Kah made three big stops to deny Landon Donovan opportunities as Portland (6-1-9), posting its third shutout in its last four matches, extended its unbeaten streak to 14 games and road unbeaten streak to 10.

    The Galaxy (6-6-3) had conceded eight goals in the past two games, ugly losses at New England and Real Salt Lake, but they conceded very little to the Timbers, who found paths to LA's box but rarely got past a tight backline anchored by A.J. DeLaGarza.

    The game featured impressive ball movement between the boxes but few distinct chances to score. The Galaxy's best were thwarted by Kah, who stopped Donovan three times in the first half from Robbie Keane through balls; by Andrew Jean-Baptiste, who cleared a Gyasi Zardes cross aimed for Keane in the goalmouth with 15 minutes to go; and by former LA goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, who slapped away a Colin Clark shot in the 77th minute.

    The Galaxy possessed nicely through midfield in the first half but struggled to penetrate, even with Keane's return to the lineup. Portland created even less but twice tested Carlo Cudicini, most potently with a 30-yard Darlington Nagbe blast in the 31st minute that LA's Italian keeper parried.

    Robbie Rogers received his first start for the Galaxy, starting on the left flank but swapping spots with left-sided midfielder Gyasi Zardes late in the first half. He lasted until the 69th minute, his longest stint since joining LA last month.

    Portland coach Caleb Porter made a few changes for middle match of a three-games-in-nine-days stint, and dropped his backline deeper to prevent LA from playing over the top and into runs from Donovan, Keane and Zardes. It was largely effective, though the Timbers do come away with a concern as starting left back Michael Harrington was taken off on a stretcher after a collision with Ben Zemanski.

    The Galaxy will be visitors against Chivas USA on Sunday. Portland is home Sunday against the Colorado Rapids.
     
  16. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    Gyasi Zardes Shows His Growth with Stellar Performance

    There's no doubt that Gyasi Zardes was absolutely electric in Sunday's 1-0 LA Galaxy victory over Chivas USA.

    The 21-year-old Homegrown forward scored the game winner in the 44th minute of play and rattled off eight shots on the night- two more than Chivas managed as a team. Throughout the match, Zardes' speed proved maddening for the Rojiblancos defenders as he repeatedly found space for himself and his teammates with his clever runs.

    For all his darting and weaving past defenders, Zardes' goal was a calm finish as he was able to nod a Landon Donovan freekick off the post and into the back of the Chivas net for the only goal of the match.

    "Good goal," said Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena. "He has a ways to go, but he's an athletic kid with a pretty good understanding of the game. He had a bunch of opportunities and he can do a little bit better, but having said that, it was a great goal. He's going to get better."

    LA Galaxy captain Robbie Keane agreed.

    "I thought that he was very good. He was a good outlet of us," said Keane. "He's very quick and very good in the air...he's certainly grown as the more games as he's played. He's scoring goals and a lot of minutes is certainly going to help him."

    He may have scored the game-winning-goal, but it wasn't a flawless performance for the young forward. Of his eight shots, just three ended up on frame with five ending up high or wide of the frame. With all of the chances coming either inside or near the edge of the 18-yard box, Zardes' veteran teammate Landon Donovan feels that Zardes must show more poise in front of net.

    "He was good. He still needs to do a better job of hitting the target when he gets chances," said Donovan. "There are a lot of guys doing a lot of hard work to get him open looks like that, so when he gets those looks, he's got to hit the target more often. We're happy with the goal and we can build on it."

    Although Zardes was unable to convert more of his chances, Keane admitted that he's grown by leaps and bounds since joining the team in preseason- particularly in his attacking movement.

    "I think that he understands now where to run when to mix and match runs," said Keane. "When to come and when to go long because with his pace, it's vital that he stays on line of the defense because he's so fast that he can get up behind them. He's certainly better and you saw that with some of his runs and the link-up play was very, very good. He's certainly grown."

    As for those chances missed, Zardes believes that the shots that he misses just make the goals even sweeter.

    "It lets me know that any opportunity is a golden opportunity to put the ball in the back of the net," the rookie asserted after the match.

    But as the season rolls on, the Galaxy expect more from their 21-year-old forward and that means more goals.

    "You have to remember that he missed two and a half months with a broken fifth metatarsal, so he's just starting to get into a rhythm," said Arena. "We're hopeful that in the second half of the season he is going to get better."
     
  17. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

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    [​IMG]

    "I am very, very happy, very content where I am in this situation in my life. If you keep playing and keep producing and keep scoring goals, it doesn't really matter where you are.

    "I couldn't tell you if it is the best move of my career to be honest with you. At that moment in time, it was the right decision for me and the family, and I certainly don't have any regrets.

    "I have just signed a two-year contract, possibly three years, so at this moment in time, I'm not thinking too far ahead. At the moment, I am very, very happy and I will just keep playing and keep plugging away."

    Keane joined LA Galaxy in 2011 and has been prolific in the MLS since his move. In the 55 appearances he's made for the club, he has scored 31 goals.

    But with his career coming to an end, the striker has admitted that going into management is something he's interesting in when he eventually retires.

    "I am doing my coaching badges in December - but I am going to try to play as long as I can first," he said. "When you get older, you tend to analyse whereas when you are younger, you have got no worries, you just think it's never, ever going to end.

    "As you get older, you understand the game a lot more and you watch the mangers closely, like Marco (Tardelli), the manager, and see their see their different ideas.

    "I have been lucky enough to play for one of the great managers, so hopefully that will stand me in good stead."

    http://www.reddit.com/tb/1haq5n
     
  18. EPJr

    EPJr Producer Staff Member Producer

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    LA Galaxy schedule set for
    2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League Group Stage

    [​IMG]

    The Galaxy, who were drawn into Group 8, have advanced out of the Champions League Group Stage in each of the last two years, winning their group in both the 2011-12 and 2012-13 tournaments. They reached the semifinals of the Champions League for the first time ever in the 2012-13 competition, knocking off Costa Rican side Herediano in the Quarterfinals before falling 3-1 on aggregate to eventual champion Monterrey in the Semifinals. In 10 all-time Group Stage games, the Galaxy are 7-2-1, including a perfect 5-0-0 at home.

    All four of the Galaxy’s Group Stage games will begin at 7 p.m. (PT) and a complete television schedule for those games will be announced at a later date.

    DAY DATE OPPONENT TIME (PT)
    Tuesday August 20 vs. Cartaginés 7 p.m.
    Wednesday September 18 vs. Isidro Metapán 7 p.m.
    Wednesday September 25 at Cartaginés 7 p.m.
    Thursday October 24 at Isidro Metapán 7 p.m.


    http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2013/0...2013-14-concacaf-champions-league-group-stage
     
  19. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    Galaxy Tops FC Dallas 2-0

    Second-half goals by Marcelo Sarvas and Hector Jimenez carried the dominant LA Galaxy past FC Dallas on Sunday night, giving the reigning MLS Cup champions back-to-back victories for the first time since April.

    Sarvas headed home a Robbie Keane cross in the 65th minute and Jimenez slotted a Robbie Rogers feed in the 80th for a 2-0 triumph that sent the Galaxy (9-7-3) into third place in the Western Conference, even on points with Portland - their opponent next Saturday in Oregon - but with more wins, the first standings tiebreaker. LA are four points off the lead.

    Dallas (8-4-7) needed a victory to pull even with Western leader Real Salt Salt Lake, who they meet next Saturday in Frisco, Texas.

    The Galaxy were dominant throughout an entertaining clash, outshooting Dallas, 22-6, and creating more than a dozen scoring opportunities while denying their foe more than a few looks at the net. Carlo Cudicini dealt with the best Dallas chance, leaping to parry a dipping 28-yard shot by Jackson Goncalves in the 76th minute.

    Keane created the first goal, taking a long pass from Omar Gonzalez on the left flank, beating Stephen Keel to the byline and chipping in a ball that cleared Gyasi Zardes but found Sarvas running nearly parallel to the goal for the simple finish.

    Jimenez, in the middle of the box, first-timed a ball Rogers sent from from the left byline for the second goal with 10 minutes to play. It was Rogers' first point with the Galaxy, and Keane also was awarded an assist.

    Zardes had LA's best chance before the goal, a 61st-minute header from a short Jimenez cross that drew a leaping save from Dallas goalkeeper Raul Fernandez.

    Rogers nearly scored his first Galaxy goal on two occasions. He was alone in Dallas' box from a long through ball by Gonzalez that Keane dummied in the 18th minute, but Fernandez made the save and Matt Hedges beat Zardes to the rebound. Rogers' shot in the 49th, after a diving Fernandez parried a Sean Franklin cross, got through the Dallas goalkeeper, but Jair Benitez easily cleared it off the goal line.

    Keane fired high from just inside Dallas' box in the 36th minute, and Keel appeared to block a Zardes header with his arm in first-half stoppage, but referee Ricardo Salazar didn't acknowledge LA's calls for a penalty.

    The Galaxy were without Landon Donovan, who is with the US national team for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, but Blas Perez skipped Panama's tournament-opening victory over Mexico at the Rose Bowl to play against LA.

    With George John still sidelined with a hamstring strain, Dallas maintained the Hedges-Keel pairing in central defense, but Schellas Hyndman rotated wingers after Thursday's draw with Chivas USA, with Fabian Castillo taking Kenny Cooper's spot on the left and Je-Vaughn Watson stepping in for Jackson on the right.

    The Galaxy stayed with the same lineup they played in Thursday's victory over Columbus, just the second time this season they've done so.
     
  20. truebluefan

    truebluefan Administrator Staff Member Administrator

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    Once Again a Goal in Second Half Stoppage Time Dooms the LA Galaxy

    The LA Galaxy's biggest problem of the 2013 MLS Regular Season reared its ugly head once more in the Rose City on Saturday evening.

    Portland Timbers center back Andrew Jean-Baptiste escaped the mark of Gyasi Zardes to nod a Diego Valeri corner kick past LA's Carlo Cudicini in the fourth minute of stoppage time to give the Timbers a 2-1 victory over the Galaxy.

    Jean-Baptiste's goal is the 15th that LA have conceded in the final 15 minutes of matches this season. That accounts for 60 percent of the goals that the Galaxy have allowed in their 20 regular season games with Bruce Arena's side going 1-7-2 on the year when allowing a late goal. When LA have conceded in second half stoppage time- which they've done eight times this season- they are 0-6-0 despite entering stoppage time tied or in front in half of those six games.

    Following the defeat at JELD-WEN Field, the Galaxy were left flabbergasted by yet another late collapse.

    "What do you want me to say? I can't explain it," said LA captain Robbie Keane following the defeat. "It's happened again. It's happened too many times this year. We certainly didn't expect it happen again tonight because we played well and didn't deserve to lose the game on the last kick of the game. But it was the same old story, [we allow] a set piece and then they score. It's disappointing."

    "It's inexcusable. It's been the story of our season giving away late goals all the way back to the Monterrey [CONCACAF Champions League] game, giving up a late goal," said defender Sean Franklin, who eluded to the first late goal that LA conceded which resulted in a defeat. "It's been a pattern for us and we have to be ok with getting one point. We expose ourselves, we give up a corner late and we don't do a job of defending on the set piece and they get a goal."

    Like in many of those results, the Galaxy were by and large the better team against the Timbers as they enjoyed a slight edge in shots attempted (10 to 7) and possession (50.8 to 49.2) while forcing Portland 'keeper Donovan Ricketts to make four saves on the night.

    Not unlike their defeat against the San Jose Earthquakes a few weeks earlier, the Galaxy believe that they once again caught up field pushing for the go-ahead goal when, perhaps, a more conservative approach could have been better.

    "Sometimes I think we need to be clever and get to the corner sometimes instead of trying to score that second goal and coming away from here with a good result," said Keane. "In the end, we lost and we have nothing."

    How does LA correct this problem of conceding late goals?

    The team has repeatedly said that managing the game in the closing minutes or finishing chances could turn the tide, but before LA can worry about specifics, one player believes that they must show a little guts at the end of games.

    "We need just a little bit of leadership," said defender Sean Franklin. "Everyone coming together and fighting for each other and knowing how to manage the game, and knowing that a point is fine, we don't need three on the road. We have to get better at that.

    "We have to realize that whether it's 94 or 95 minutes, we have to play through," Franklin added. "We have just have to compete every minute and not give up at the end."
     

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