The Los Angeles Galaxy closed out the 2007 preseason with a 1-0 win over the California Victory this afternoon at The Home Depot Center on the campus of California State University at Dominguez Hills. A crowd of more than 300 was on hand to see Nathan Sturgis score his first goal of the year inside the opening five minutes while the Galaxy defense made that lead stand up, earning its sixth clean sheet of the preseason.
With the win, the Galaxy finish the preseason with a record of 9-1-2, outscoring opponents 24-8.
The home side got off to a perfect start just five minutes in when Nathan Sturgis struck the game's opening goal. A long ball over the top found Robbie Findley on the left flank. The rookie forward beat his marker to the end line and was able to cut the ball back into the center of the box for Sturgis who was able to squeeze between a pair of defenders and redirect the ball home from close range, putting the Galaxy in front 1-0.
Despite a series of scoring chances for both sides, the score would remain that way all the way until the final whistle, stretching the club's unbeaten streak to nine games to close out the preseason. Joe Cannon played the full 90 minutes in goal for L.A., to collect his fifth win of the preseason.
Former Galaxy player Josh Hansen was joined in the California lineup by two of L.A.'s 2007 Supplemental Draft selections, Kiel McClung and Kevin Long, but they could not push the first-year USL First Division club onto its first-ever victory against MLS opposition.
The Galaxy will train on Sunday at 2 p.m., during the team's annual FanFest celebration at The Home Depot Center, beginning preparations for the 2007 season opener in Houston a week later.
Scoring Summary:
LA: Nathan Sturgis (Robbie Findley) 5'
Los Angeles Galaxy - Joe Cannon, Chris Albright, Kyle Veris (Shavar Thomas 46'), Ty Harden, Ante Jazic, Kevin Harmse, Nathan Sturgis (Josh Tudela 65'), Kyle Martino (Mike Randolph 65'), Cobi Jones (Ian Russell 46'), Santino Quaranta (Gavin Glinton 46'), Robbie Findley.
Scoring Summary:
LA: Kyle Martino (Yellow Card) 63'
LA: Joe Cannon (Yellow Card) 70'
