Galaxy Has Fun in Exhibition
Galaxy Coach Sigi Schmid expected an exciting game in his team’s exhibition against CSD Municipal of Guatemala, the kind of contest in which “artistry” takes precedence over thuggery.
He also looked forward to getting his younger players some quality playing time.
Schmid got it all Wednesday night in the Galaxy’s 2-1 victory over the Rojos in front of 8,524 at the Rose Bowl, improving the Galaxy’s record to 19-8-10 in international play.
“We’re just happy we won in regulation,” said Schmid, whose team had played 10 consecutive overtime games. “But I wasn’t pleased with our finishing. I thought we had chances again early that we didn’t take advantage of.”
In a rough-and-tumble match that had one red card ejection and five yellow card warnings, Galaxy rookie forward Carlos Ruiz, who spent six of his previous seven seasons with Municipal, played only the first half and did not score. He was, however, involved in the most physical play of the night.
In the 12th minute, Municipal forward Sergio Guevara was issued a red card by referee Kevin Stott after Guevara took Ruiz down with a vicious slide tackle from behind.
The Rojos, an 18-time league champion that is dominating its Torneo Clausura (closing tournament) at 12-0-2 with 52 goals, took a 1-0 lead in the 30th minute.
Following a free kick by Guillermo Ramirez that was passed from Isreal Donis to Mario Acevedo, Municipal forward Juan Carlos Plata converted the header pass from Acevedo. Plata’s short, left-footed kick from just outside of the keeper’s box eluded Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman.
The Galaxy tied it up in the 51st minute.
Jason Farrell, who was called up from the Galaxy’s A-league affiliate, the Seattle Sounders, for the exhibition, headed in a long pass from Adam Frye for the score from about 12 yards out. Farrell entered the game as a substitute at the start of the second half.
Alejandro Moreno, 22, made the most of a rare start when he emerged from the pack to head in a free kick by Alex Bengard, 23, in the 70th minute.
Midfielder Jesus Ochoa, 21, also started for the Galaxy.
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The Galaxy announced that it would play another international exhibition on May 29 at the Rose Bowl against Aguila of El Salvador. Aguila is a 10-time national champion.
