Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Galaxy Win 2-0; Will Play Suwon on Saturday

LA Galaxy moved on to the 2009 Pan-Pacific Championship match with a 2-0 win over Oita Trinita of Japan on Wednesday. The Galaxy will play Suwon Samsung Bluewings at The Home Depot Center on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Oita Trinita will play Shandong Luneng, which lost to Suwon 1-0 in the earlier game, for Third Place at 5:30 p.m.

Forward Edson Buddle put the Galaxy ahead, 1-0, right before halftime with a left-footed shot that beat Shusaku Nishikawa to the near post in the 44th minute. Jovan Kirvoski doubled the club's lead in the 53rd minute by converting a penalty kick.

Josh Wicks made two saves.

The Galaxy made five second half substitutions. Kyle Patterson came on for Buddle to start the second half, Mike Magee for Alan Gordon in minute 66, Bryan Jordan for Chris Klein in minute 74, Stefani Miglioranzi for Josh Tudela in minute 78 and A.J. DeLaGarza for Sean Franklin in minute 87.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

First of all, I was extremely glad and comforted to see how our LA Galaxy players handled this game and its respective competition. Man-for-man, our LA Galaxy players matched up against them. What I enjoyed was the fact that NONE of the LA Galaxy players backed down - each one of them played intensely, aggressively, and competitively. That was extremely good to see. Sure, there were many instances where passes and connections were not correct nor completed properly... but, the LA Galaxy players made it challenging and difficult for Oita to establish a rhythm or tempo.
Honestly, even though Tony Sanneh is old and slower than others - he did his job with honor and guts. And, that - spoke volumes in terms of the awful shambles we have had to see and endure from past. Tony made every effort to instruct, to communicate, and to lead the back line. Omar was excellent. Sean - of course, was brilliant. Eddie and Left-back was like "flavory butter" to hot, steaming pop-corn. Eddie orchestrated out of that left flank. Again, the % completion and correctness are not there yet. But, if these LA Galaxy players continue to train, to learn, to listen, to be ready to be instructed on what things are necessary and correct... then, it's going to get there.
Edson made that sweet kick from his left foot - which put us in initial lead. However, really - he was laboring very much out there... he was either hurting or was not yet at decent enough fitness. Now, Edson usually requires the full three months of pre-season to be ready. But, from what I saw... his tiredness and slowing were cause for concerns for me.
Jovan played immensely well and exquisite. To bring out his contribution requires the right type of floating-wing striker. As Chris Klein has said - he is a smart, well-game-reading player who knows where to be in situations and can offer great set-up and assists.
I hope this toughness, steeliness, continued work and emphases on offense and defense plays will be the requirement and standard for the LA Galaxy club & team! Again, I was very glad to see that our LA Galaxy players did NOT back down... and, kept moving the ball (out-wide, crossed long, played off of different feet. The practices, scrimmages, and sessions still must continue to build the counter-runs, the defensive and offensive manuevers, team-mate's expectations and positioning.