Galaxy players confident ahead of second Monterrey game

The Galaxy will have its work cut out in Wednesday’s second game of its two-leg CONCACAF Champions League soccer semifinal against Monterrey of Mexico.

After losing the first game, 2-1, on April 3 at Home Depot Center when Monterrey scored two late goals, the Galaxy now must play Monterrey on the Rayados’ home turf.

The tournament is determined by aggregate, or which team scores more goals over both games, and goals scored on the road carry more weight in the event of a tie. Monterrey has won the tournament the last two years.

Still, before leaving for Mexico on Monday, Galaxy Head Coach Bruce Arena said, “I don’t think there’s any issues in terms of us not believing we can win the [second] game.”

Landon Donovan agreed. The Galaxy’s all-time leading scorer, who is coming off a self-imposed sabbatical after leading the Galaxy to its second consecutive Major League Soccer title last year, played nearly 30 minutes in the first game with Monterrey.

“We showed at least for three quarters of the game the other night that we could compete and really play well” against Monterrey, he said.

Asked how long he might play Wednesday, Donovan said, “I feel pretty fit but until you play a full game you’re not back in full fitness. If I’m called upon Wednesday, then I’ll go as long as I can and give as much as I can.”

The Galaxy also will have back Juninho, its key midfielder. The Brazilian left the April 3 game in the 58th minute with a severe headache, but he said Monday that was no longer a concern.

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