CARSON, Calif. -- LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena speaks to reporters after the Galaxy's 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids.
Arena's comments are below.
On Colorado’s defensive strategy:
“They did what they’ve done all year. They played collectively as a group. They’re hard to break down. Most games they’re in are 1-0. It’s how the games look.”
On Jelle Van Damme’s performance:
“He’s done very well. He’s getting more accustomed to our league, the position, which has been new for him. He played a real good game today.”
On how LA Galaxy’s defense played:
“We played well. Our guys were pretty focused. I think we understood what this game was going to look like today and what it’s going to look like next week. We had a good collective effort as well. Our backline played well.”
On Landon Donovan’s performance:
“He was good – good and solid. His passing was very good. He was in good spots defensively. I think his ability to help us keep the ball, hold on to the ball, make the pass at the right times are important. It gives us a little bit of a breather and allows us to collect our team and get forward in the attack. He’s done a real good job for us.”
On the play of the midfield:
“I think our midfield played well today. I thought the combination of Lletget, Husidic, and Dos Santos did fine. We had enough chances to get a couple of goals today. You’re playing against a team that doesn’t concede many goals. You may disagree, but we certainly had chances to get a second goal today, and we fell short there. Overall I think we played a pretty solid game.”
On any adjustments the team will make ahead of next week’s game:
“Everyone knows what the score is so; you can’t hide that fact. We go into a venue that’s difficult. You’re playing in altitude. So I think, typically, you never play the same game there as you do at home because of the environmental conditions. So it will be somewhat different.”
On Robbie Keane not starting due to tactics or fitness level:
“Coming back from injury and having a team that played a good game on Wednesday and deciding not to change the lineup. I think Alan Gordon has played well and deserved to get the start today. The decision was made that this is the right team to start in this game today. I can promise you, Robbie, is not happy with that. It’s the way it is.”
On if Jermaine Jones made things more difficult for LA in the second half:
“He’s a good, experienced player, no question about it. Bringing in fresh legs to start the half always helps, but I thought our guys did fine.”
