Galaxy falls to Barcelona, but both coaches are pleased with performance

Galaxy defenseman Tommy Meyer, right, fights for control of the ball against FC Barcelona's Douglas in the second half of a match at the Rose Bowl on July 21.

Staff Writer

July 22, 2015 7:15 AM PT

When the Galaxy were blown out by Manchester United, 7-0, in last year’s midsummer friendly, Coach Bruce Arena said the result shouldn’t be taken as barometer of either his team in particular or Major League Soccer in general.

And after watching the Galaxy battle Barcelona to the finish in a 2-1 loss Tuesday, Arena stuck with the same message.

“It’s an exhibition,” he said. “Relax.”

An exhibition that drew a crowd of 93,226 to the Rose Bowl, the largest crowd to watch a soccer game in the U.S. this year and the largest ever to watch an MLS team play.

Arena cleared his bench in the second half, pulling captain Robbie Keane and midfielder Steven Gerrard and giving everyone a chance to play before the big crowd.

“I don’t think not playing our main guys sends any statement or not about our league,” he said.

“We’re not embarrassed by this result. Mission accomplished.”

Barcelona Coach Luis Enrique, speaking through an interpreter, said Arena was wise to use his whole roster, given that the Galaxy are in the middle of their league season.

“It’s logical,” said Enrique, whose team begins league play in Spain next month. “We made seven [substitutions] ourselves. It’s an exhibition and for us, in the preseason, it’s important to rotate players.”

Playing without five excused starters -- including four-time world player of the year Lionel Messi and Brazilian star Neymar -- Barcelona got goals by Luis Suarez and Sergi Roberto on both sides of the intermission to take a 2-0 lead. The Galaxy pulled one back in stoppage time on a Tommy Meyers’ header off a Mika Vayrynen corner kick.

“One thing that impressed me about Barcelona is when they lose the ball, how much they pressure,” said Arena, whose team conceded the possession battle by a large margin. “They were good and really relentless in the first half.”

Enrique returned the compliment, saying he appreciated the Galaxy’s spirit.

“I was impressed with the Galaxy,” he said. “A lot of teams would have sat back and just defended.”