The Los Angeles Galaxy ended their week of training Thursday before leaving for Spain with a 2-1 loss against the San Jose Earthquakes. In a very intense game, it was clear that both sides were there to play hard. Both teams ignored the rules of "fair play" and revived the intense rivalry that the two teams have harvested from the start of the league.
The goals were the work of ex-Galaxy player Alejandro Moreno (San Jose), Alan Gordon (Los Angeles) and Chris Wondolowski (San Jose) at the 7th, 35th and 88th minutes, respectively.
The game had just started when Moreno capitalized on a Galaxy mistake. Ex-San Jose defender Todd Dunivant left Moreno all alone, leading to a one-on-one against Galaxy 'keeper Steve Cronin. Moreno cooly ran onto a long ball from Brad Davis and and chipped the ball into the left corner.
After the goal, the Galaxy pushed hard to attack. However, the San Jose defense lead by Eddie Robinson and Troy Dayak denied most attempts by the Galaxy to break through. It wasn't until the 35th minute when Gordon put the Galaxy on the board. Gordon received a long pass from Dunivant, brought it down with ease and slotted the ball into the goal. Fabian Estay proved to be the catalyst of most of the Galaxy attack, as he continuously disoriented the San Jose midfield.
In the second half, both teams made multiple changes that slowed down the game. Both coaches were using this game to look at their players. Zimbabwean Mubarike "Mamba" Chisoni was one Galaxy player that came on. He was a delight to watch, mixing power, speed and spice. He created many chances for the Galaxy and was unlucky not to score. When the match seemed to be ending as a 1-1 draw, San Jose scored. A free kick from San Jose defender Kevin Goldwaithe rebounded off Steve Cronin and was finished by another rookie, Wondolowski.
"Like in all of preseason, the goal today was one of many," said Galaxy coach Steve Sampson. "These games serve to show me how much depth we have. Our team played well in the defeat. Now we are traveling to Spain, where we will start the second phase of our preseason. I'll learn more from the games with Osasuna and Atletico Madrid,"
This was the second Galaxy defeat in four preseason games. The players who have made it this far packed their suitcases to catch their flight which left at 1 a.m. on Friday.
Rene Romano is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
