Wednesday's friendly with Rangers FC might have meant very little in the grand scheme of things. However, it still provided the Los Angeles Galaxy to measure the standard of play in MLS against one of the premier clubs in Europe -- and not just for the front-line starters.
The Galaxy started a side composed mainly of reserves, and while they conceded the majority of possession, chances were few and far between in the opening 45 minutes. After the halftime break, the game started to open up, and the game's only goal was produced by Rangers' Kris Boyd.
Overall, Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop was pleased with his side's effort, as he kept the significance of the contest in perspective.
"Obviously it was an entertaining game from the perspective of the fans. I'm not happy about not winning the game but I think if you think about the lineup we had and the way we played at times, we came into the game late with most of our senior guys on the field," said Yallop.
"These games, obviously we try to win them. But we are protecting and making sure we're ready for next weekend."
Yallop started a very young team. Defender Kyle Veris saw his first minutes of the season, and he along with Mike Randolph -- used sparingly this season -- both started. Ian Russell is coming off of an injury and played his most significant minutes of the year, and rookie Robbie Findley played the opening 45 minutes, as well.
"It's not easy stepping onto the field against a team that plays in the Champions League, and just came off their season and is a very good side," said Yallop. "That's a strong side they put out and I thought they handled themselves well. Kyle Veris had a good game. I think the kids that came on and played did a good job."
Yallop ran out the regular starters in the second half, and that's when the game began to open up. The game got a bit physical at times, but for the most part the general idea of a friendly exhibition was displayed on the field. To a man, the Galaxy players seemed to enjoy themselves on the field.
"It's great. It's an honor that (Rangers) would come over and play us. We respect them obviously," said Santino Quaranta, who logged more minutes Wednesday than in any other game thus far this season. "They showed respect on the field tonight as well by playing hard and doing well. It was a good game."
Quaranta had the best chance of the first half when he broke in alone on Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor, and he set up the best chance of the second half for Landon Donovan. On the play, Donovan received a cross from Quaranta, but pushed his shot over the crossbar from close range. Donovan lamented his missed opportunity to tie the game.
"I was backtracking so I'm trying to keep it somewhere near me trying to get my feet right and I didn't have time to take another touch," said Donovan. "I kind of had to swing at it and I should have done a better job just to get it somewhere on goal. It's frustrating but it happens."
Despite the fact that the match was just another fixture in an already crowded schedule, it was a welcome reprieve from the rigors of the regular season schedule. There really wasn't much on the line, meaning the players could just go out and play.
"It's fun. There's no pressure," said Donovan. "It's not like we had to get points. It was like go have fun and enjoy the game. I had fun. I enjoyed it. I think a lot of guys enjoyed it."
The Galaxy took full advantage of the seven substitutes allowed, and Yallop spread the minutes out among his team in order to keep them rested in advance of this weekend. They must quickly shift gears and get back into the regular season mindset as a trip to Dick's Sporting Goods Park and a date with the Colorado Rapids awaits on Saturday.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
