CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy’s present and future collide Saturday when the MLS powerhouse takes on the newly formed LA Galaxy II in a White vs. Blue match at StubHub Center at 7:30 p.m.
The match, which is free to the general public (including parking) pits the Galaxy against Galaxy II, a new professional team operated by the parent club that will compete in USL PRO, a division of U.S. Soccer below MLS.
The Galaxy II, coached by Curt Onalfo, opened their season last Thursday with a 2-1 victory over the Fresno Fuego. The parent club defeated UCLA 2-0 in a closed-door scrimmage Wednesday and also defeated the San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 in last Saturday’s inaugural Central California Cup.
Coaches and players said they are looking forward to Saturday’s competition.
“I think it’ll be fun, real nice for our fans,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. “I think it’s great for them to get out and have an opportunity to see our two teams together and see what we’ve talked about over the last month or so. How it’s come to fruition, how promising it is down the road.
“I think it will be a great night for everyone.”
Arena, asked if there will be any gamesmanship between the coaches, grinned.
“Onalfo is a tough guy to beat,” Arena said. “They’ll be very technical, very attack-oriented.”
The Galaxy’s Landon Donovan said it will “fun” for everyone involved.
“It’s fantastic for the fans to get to see the future as well come out and see your team,” he said. “I think people that follow the team closely love stuff like this. And for us it’s a great run-in against guys that are going to be motivated. It’s a real game to get us ready.”
Donovan said he would expect it to be a friendly competition, but he also said members of Galaxy II won’t lack in desire.
“I would hope that we should win the game, but you never know,” he said. “I’m sure those guys are motivated because it’s the chance to show in front of Bruce on a big stage and in front of Curt that they want to either make the team or play for their team.
“It’s going to be a good game. We expect a real soccer game. Obviously no one’s going to be stupid with dumb challenges, but it’s going to be a good game.”
