CARSON, Calif. – The Three Points to Wednesday’s LA Galaxy 4-0 victory over the Puerto Rico Islanders…
ANOTHER STELLAR PERFORMANCE FOR VILLARREAL
With a goal and numerous scoring opportunities in the first half of the LA Galaxy’s win over the Puerto Rico Islanders, 18-year-old forward Jose Villarreal continued to show why he is one of LA’s key contributors in 2012.
Throughout the first half, Villarreal was dynamic as he helped several dangerous opportunities, but was unable to get on the score sheet. The 18-year-old would not have to wait for long, however, as just seconds into the second half he broke through a pair of defenders to head the second goal of the night past Puerto Rico goalkeeper Richard Martin.
However, the 18-year-old forward’s night was cut short just minutes after his goal as he was forced to come off for Sean Franklin with an apparent head injury.
GALAXY RESERVES PROVE TOO TOUGH FOR PUERTO RICO
Playing their third game in seven days, head coach Bruce Arena opted for a reserve-laden lineup against the Islanders and his decision paid off quickly as the Galaxy overran the NASL side.
Sparked by the inspired midfield play of Michael Stephens, Kenney Walker and Rafael Garcia, the reserves controlled the possession, overwhelming the Islanders defense tallying four goals. Not to be outdone, the Galaxy defense got into the act as backup goalkeeper Brian Perk supplied a late save to keep the shutout for the Galaxy.
The decision to use a heavily-reserve side allows the Galaxy starters to be completely fresh heading into this Saturday’s important Western Conference match against the Vancouver Whitecaps. However, that wasn’t the only benefit as the match allowed Arena to give important minutes to forward Edson Buddle, who played his first game since May 26th after undergoing right knee surgery in June.
LA EARN TWO BIG WINS AT HDC IN CCL
The CONCACAF Champions League’s new truncated group stage format requires teams to win their home games and with their victory over the Puerto Rico Islanders, LA has accomplished just that.
With two CCL games completed, LA has placed themselves in a good position in group 5 picking a pair of victories at The HDC while scoring nine goals and conceding two for a goal difference of +7 in wins over Puerto Rico and Isidro Metapán.
But now the CCL test will become much tougher as the Galaxy face a pair of arduous road matches against the Islanders on September 19th and against Metapán in El Salvador on October 25th.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider
