Los Angeles Galaxy tie Portland Timbers 1-1 in pre-season
The Los Angeles Galaxy earned a 1-1 draw over the Portland Timbers in their first Major League Soccer pre-season match Tuesday afternoon at the Home Depot Centre in Carson. Paolo Cardozo scored the only goal for the Galaxy in the second-half, which was equalized
a few minutes later by Brian Umony with a deflected corner kick.
The Galaxy dominated right from the start, creating chances in the opening-half, but failed to score a goal. Striking duo Juan Pablo Angel and Chad Barrett repeatedly tested goalkeeper Adin Brown, who showed consistent resilience. Vitor Junior also managed
to reach very close to the opponent’s net. In closing time of the first half, there were scoring opportunities for both teams, but they entered half-time without scoring.
Miguel Lopez was replaced by the scorer Paolo Cardozo, when he was found catching Steve Purdy with a high foot. Though Lopez was sent off on a red card, both coaches agreed to resume play. The Timbers featured a split squad and brought out a different line-up
in each half. The Galaxy started play with a full strength scintillating line-up, including 2010 MLS Best XI selected Landon Donovan and Donovan Ricketts.
Recently acquired Angel was also in the line-up by Bruce Arena. Brown with defenders Rodney Wallace, Kevin Goldthwaite and Eddie Johnson played their first pre-season for Portland.
Just two minutes later in the second-half start, Bryan Jordan produced a short pass away from left back Chris Taylor, setting up Cardozo who managed a left-foot shot into the top left corner of the net. The Galaxy lead lasted for three minutes, when a corner
kick from Rodrigo Lopez was fired into the net by Brian Umony. In the 57th minute Umony was in action again, as he shot on goal. Josh Saunders managed a brilliant slide to save the Galaxy.
The Intensity of attacking plays came from both sides, especially by the Galaxy in the last half an hour. The Timbers defence managed to stand firm by thwarting the Galaxy offensive play. Cardozo almost turned one in for the Galaxy when he launched a shot
from 40-yards, barely missing as it flew over the bar.
Several incidents of misconduct which included two yellow and one red card, marred an exciting game. Midfielder Miguel Lopez was carded for a high foot and sent off in the 26th minute and Bryan Jordan received a yellow card in the 68th
minute. Tony McManus of the Timbers was also shown the yellow card in the 69th minute of match.
The match was a good indication of how the teams are developing their strategies during the pre-season. It will be interesting to see the level of competitiveness amongst the top teams during the MLS regular season.
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