When the goin’ gets tough, the tough get goin’! The Galaxy guaranteed a spot in the
next round for the Concacaf Champions League. It was hard won battle with LA not at full strength due to
injuries. Still the match was a
good clash between a club who needed a win and another that wanted at least one
win in the competition.
The probability of surviving Group A was not good for any of
the clubs in it. All of them are
top squads in their respective leagues.
In fact, the group finished with the top three teams being tied for
first. The clubs that did advance
earned it by goal differentials in their favor. In other words, the teams scored the most and allowed the
least goals moved on.
The game on Thursday was very close one. Both teams were in an attacking
mode. Motaguan Forward Bengston
created more than few chances.
Meanwhile the galaxy struggled to find a rhythm. 30 minutes in though, Galaxy were able
to find the back of the net and their ticket to the next round. The goal was fantastically struck from
well beyond the penalty area by midfielder Juninho. The shot rose over the Motaguan defense and barely dipped
under crossbar. A very
beckham-esque goal.
For those who watched, it may have seemed like the game
could have gone either way. On paper though it definitely appeared to be more
likely to go LA’s way. Team
captain Landon Donavon said “I’m really proud of our guys”. Although he got only had 29 minutes on
the field, the squad had more attacking force with him on. The club finished out the game and the
final score was 1-0 in favor our LA Galaxy.
The win puts
the Galaxy in first place for Group A.
First place moves them on to the next round and gives them home field
advantage. It also knocks out
Alajuelense and Motagua from the tournament. The exciting Group stages are finished and the competition
will resume in March. Until then
we have the playoffs to entertain us.
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