Reserved Galaxy Loses Friendly, 2-0

It was only an exhibition, but the Yokohama Marinos showed more than the Galaxy.

Los Angeles, using substitutes and second-stringers, lost to the two-time defending Japanese League champions, 2-0, in an international friendly Wednesday night at the Home Depot Center.

The Galaxy’s patchwork lineup, prompted by injuries, absences and Galaxy Coach Steve Sampson’s desire to give backups playing time, came unraveled in the second half.

Yokohama, led by 2004 Japanese Olympic team member Daisuke Nasu, midfielder and captain Daisuke Oku and forward Masahiro Ohashi, used two follow shots off free kicks to get the better of the short-handed Galaxy, which played without forward Landon Donovan and midfielder Guillermo Ramirez. Donovan, the team’s leading scorer with five goals and four assists, was playing for the U.S. and Ramirez was competing for Guatemala in CONCACAF World Cup 2006 qualifying matches.

The Galaxy was missing defender Chris Albright, out because of a right knee injury. Sampson opted to use backup goalkeeper Steve Cronin in place of MLS’s winningest goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, who will be trying for his 100th victory when the Galaxy plays host to Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

Nasu scored the first goal in the 49th minute Wednesday after a free kick from the left side by Ohashi. Hideo Oshima followed a rebound of another free kick in the 76th minute.

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-- Lauren Peterson