The LA Galaxy Reserves fell to the San Jose Earthquakes in their home opener on Friday afternoon, losing 2-1. Adam Smarte scored the game-winner in the 73rd minute to give the Earthquakes their first win of the season and drop the Galaxy to a 0-1-1 record.
The two sides traded penalty kicks in the first half, with Michael Ricketts giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute. LA defender Michael Gavin was called for a foul inside the box on Smarte, setting up the spot kick for Ricketts who beat Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Wicks high to his right.
However, that lead would be short-lived as Edson Buddle scored a penalty of his own, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 30th minute and sending the game into the halftime break on level terms.
The score would stay that way until midway through the second half when Smarte put the Earthquakes in front for good. San Jose midfielder Ryan Johnson's long ball from midfield was placed perfectly for Smarte who got in behind the Galaxy defense and slotted his shot past Wicks for the 2-1 advantage.
The Galaxy pushed for an equalizer, but it was not to be as Peter Vagenas and Israel Sesay each had shots saved by Preston Burpo. LA forward Bryan Jordan beat Burpo with a header late on, but he was adjudged to have fouled the San Jose 'keeper, allowing the visitors to hold on for the 2-1 victory.
Scoring Summary:
SJ - Michael Ricketts (Penalty Kick) 18'
LA - Edson Buddle (Penalty Kick) 30'
SJ - Adam Smarte (Ryan Johnson) 73'
Lineups:
Los Angeles Galaxy Reserves: Josh Wicks, Michael Gavin, Troy Roberts, Julian Valentin, Dan Cerwinske, Josh Tudela, Israel Sesay, Peter Vagenas, Raul Palomares, Bryan Jordan, Edson Buddle.
Subs not used: Vito Higgins
San Jose Earthquakes Reserves: Preston Burpo, Greg Curry (Adam Sloustcher 45'), Jay Ayers, Jamil Roberts, Eric Denton, Joe Vide, Matt Hatzke (Mike Munoz 80'), Adam Smarte (Mike Kelly 77'), Ryan Johnson, John Cunliffe, Michael Ricketts (Sent Off 75').
Misconduct Summary:
SJ - Greg Curry (Caution) 21'
LA - Michael Gavin (Caution) 45'
SJ - Joe Vide (Caution) 49'
SJ - Michael Ricketts (Sent Off) 75'
