No matter the continent, one thing is sure this year: The Galaxy will win 1-0.
A 14th-minute goal from Robbie Keane led the Galaxy past the Indonesian National Selection in the MLS side's first exhibition match of their Asia Pacific Tour.
The matchwinner came when Mike Magee floated down the left side and curled a tantalizing cross. No one could connect cleanly with the initial ball, but LA striker Adam Cristman got to the loose ball first and laid it off to Keane, who bent it calmly into the side netting.
The Galaxy started their regulars, including David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Omar Gonzalez. They played their usual, patient style: compact in the back and attacking on the flanks. They had the better of the attacking play, both before and after the goal, but were unable to create more than a few clear-cut chances.
In the 42nd minute, some good hold-up play from Cristman allowed the big targetman to turn and slip a pass through to Sean Franklin, who struck the left post with his low shot. Cristman’s follow-up one-timer then crashed off the crossbar.
After wholesale halftime changes, the Galaxy maintained their momentum. In the 51st minute, Miguel Lopez earned a freekick on the left side that Beckham drove to the far post. Frankie Hejduk was alone in space, but rushed his volley and shook his head as it shanked wide of the goal.
The best chance for the home side was a dangerous freekick in 79th minute that nearly beat Brian Perk but wound up skipping just around the right post.
Scoring Summary
LA - Keane 14'
