Sunday, April 13, 2008

Galaxy Fall 3-2

It was a tough one today and the Galaxy as they fell 3-2 to Toronto FC. Jeff Cunningham scored the game-winner in the 88th minute to send LA to their first home defeat of 2008 and leave them in fifth place in the Western Conference with a 1-2-0 record for 3 points.

Here's some more from today.

LA Galaxy 2, Toronto FC 3
April 13, 2008
The Home Depot Center – Carson, Calif.

Scoring Summary:
TFC – Danny Dichio (Amado Guevara) 42’
LAG – Landon Donovan (Chris Klein) 43’
TFC – Jarrod Smith (Unassisted) 53’
LAG – Landon Donovan (Penalty Kick) 58’
TFC – Jeff Cunningham (Unassisted) 88’

Misconduct Summary:
LAG – Greg Vanney (Yellow Card) 52’

Lineups:
LA Galaxy: Steve Cronin, Mike Randolph, Greg Vanney, Sean Franklin, Chris Klein, Alvaro Pires, Brandon McDonald (Peter Vagenas 77’), Ely Allen, David Beckham©, Landon Donovan, Alan Gordon (Edson Buddle 68’).

Subs Not Used: Josh Wicks, Abel Xavier, Michael Gavin, Troy Roberts, Josh Tudela.

Toronto FC: Greg Sutton, Marvel Wynne, Marco Velez, Tyrone Marshall, Jim Brennan©, Jarrod Smith (Todd Dunivant 73’), Carl Robinson, Maurice Edu, Laurent Robert (Tyler Roselund 91+), Amado Guevara, Danny Dichio (Jeff Cunningham 65’).

Subs Not Used: Brian Edwards, Julius James, Tyler Hemming.

Notes:
· With the loss, the Galaxy’s record falls to 1-2-0 on the season, giving them three points and in fifth place in the Western Conference standings.
· The loss to Toronto was the first in Galaxy history against the Canadian club. LA is now 1-1-1 against TFC, including 1-1-0 at The Home Depot Center.
· With his two goals today, Galaxy forward Landon Donovan is now tied with Kenny Cooper of FC Dallas for the MLS lead in goals with three.
· Donovan now has three goals in three career games against Toronto.
· Chris Klein, who made his 250th MLS start today, recorded his first assist of the season giving him 58 for his career.
· Replacing Alan Gordon in the 68th minute, Edson Buddle made his 2008 debut up front for the Galaxy. He had two shots in his 22 minutes on the field.
· Today’s match was played on the 12th anniversary of the Galaxy’s first ever game against the MetroStars (now New York Red Bulls) at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. A crowd of 69,255 was on hand that day to see the Galaxy win 2-1.
· Despite an on field temperature that reached 102 degrees, 20,426 fans braved the heat to attend the match.
· The Galaxy are back in action on Saturday, April 19 when they host the defending MLS Cup champion Houston Dynamo at The Home Depot Center. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen live on FSN West, starting with ‘Galaxy Live’ at 7 p.m.

1 comment:

charlesj27 said...

I am relieved that LA Galaxy was able to walk away from this match with at least two goals instead of zero (none). Yes, it's very disappointing and frustrating and "stupefying" that our LA Galaxy was not able to win. The win could have helped eased some burden off our backs. I swear - I hope Ruud, Cobi, Trevor, Chris, Armando, and Paul truly understands and accepts how URGENT & CRITICAL it is to get "rock solid" performances from ALL of our LA Galaxy team members. This year - our LA Galaxy team cannot afford to be lax or be hap-hazard about the games they have to play. I believe the great majority of MLS teams have greatly added talent to their teams and solidified it. Please, we cannot spend anymore time in the bottom "recesses" of the MLS Conference table. We need more talent & depth in the Midfield! Our back line is getting better. Sean Franklin & Julian Valentin are a GREAT presence at center. What about our Left & Right wings? Chris Klein (to my amazement, surprise, and happiness) is holding his own in the Right Defensive side. But, can he be doing that each & every game for the rest of the MLS season??? I'm sorry - as much as I like Micheal Gavin & Mike Randolph (both, speedy & quick players) - they just have not had the experience & seasoning to FIRMLY, CONVINCINGLY, EFFECTIVELY, and CONTINUOUSLY hold the Left-Wing Defensively. Ely Allen is trying his hardest to wiggle through and help out from the Left Midfield. Alvaro Pires is truly a BULL & a much needed ball-winner in Midfield. I am so happy to see him win balls back for us! Great job, Alvaro!!! But, as both Landon & David has said - to win games is to PUT in the goals. To secure a 2 - 0 lead by the end of first half. And, keep structure, firmness, shape, and posession in the second half! How is our LA Galaxy going to achieve this? Please coaches - do the homework... Take a deep look at other MLS teams to find out how much each team has spent on deepening their Midfield. In MLS, Minute 25 - 45 & Minute 65 - 90 MUST be decidedly won in the Midfield!!!