Welton, Mathis Lead Galaxy Past Zodiac
Welton and rookie Clint Mathis scored first-half goals Saturday night as Major League Soccer’s Galaxy defeated its A-League affiliate, the Zodiac, 3-1, in front of 1,251 at Santa Ana Stadium.
Welton’s goal was set up when teammate Dan Calichman’s drive was blocked. The rebound came to Welton, who was 12 yards out. His shot slipped past goalkeeper Mike Littman and just inside the right post in the 31st minute.
Two minutes later, Mathis, a first-round draft pick, headed in a cross from Martin Machon for a 2-0 Galaxy lead. Both Machon and Calichman were credited with assists.
Orange County’s Gustavo Leal ended Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman’s bid for a shutout in the 65th minute when he took a pass from Mario Sanchez and scored from 20 yards out.
The Galaxy added a goal in the 90th minute when Eduardo Hurtado’s cross was accidentally deflected into the net by Zodiac defender Jimmy Conrad.
The Galaxy outshot the Zodiac, 19-6. Hartman finished with three saves. Littman made six for the Zodiac.
Los Angeles was without starting midfielders Cobi Jones and Greg Vanney, both of whom played in the U.S. National Team’s 2-2 tie with Paraguay in a Saturday exhibition game in San Diego.
The Galaxy completed exhibition play with a 7-2-1 record. The Zodiac opens their second A-League season on April 11th, playing host to the San Diego Flash at UC Irvine.
