Visiting Rangers defeat Galaxy, 1-0

One of Scotland’s storied soccer teams -- there are only two with genuine pedigree -- this week paid a flying visit to Los Angeles, where Rangers did just enough Wednesday night to defeat the Galaxy, 1-0, in front of an announced Home Depot Center crowd of 15,295.

The friendly game’s only goal came from the expected source, Kris Boyd, whose 20 goals in the European season just ended made him the Scottish Premier League’s top scorer.

The opportunity was carved out in the 55th minute after the Galaxy was unable to clear the ball during a sustained period of attacking pressure from Rangers.

Midfielder Chris Burke started the move just outside the Galaxy penalty area and to the right of the net. He cut the ball back to teammate Alan Hutton, who floated a cross into the area for Boyd to tuck into the net despite the marking of central defender Kyle Veris.

Galaxy Coach Frank Yallop started several players, Veris included, who have seen only limited playing time this MLS season. Others included backup goalkeeper Steve Cronin, midfielder Mike Randolph and forward Santino Quaranta.

“It’s not easy stepping in to play against a team that plays in the European Champions League and are just coming off their season,” Yallop said. “I thought they handled themselves well. I thought Veris had a good game, apart from the slip on the goal. But that’s football, isn’t it?”

The insertion of Landon Donovan and some of the other Galaxy regulars in the second half livened up the match considerably and caused Rangers to step it up as well.

Donovan had a fine chance to tie the score in the final minute, but he scooped a pinpoint cross from Quaranta over the crossbar from seven yards out.

“He did everything right,” Yallop said. “The ball didn’t drop down quite enough and I think the defender did a good job of putting him off.”

The Galaxy resumes MLS play Saturday night at the Colorado Rapids.