Galaxy Friday Football

Get Your Playoff Tickets Today!

In a case of either very weird timing or chronic optimism, the day after the Galaxy put their playoff hopes in jeopardy by only managing a draw with New York the team announced that tickets to the post-season go on sale at 10 a.m. today to season ticket holders only.

They couldn’t have waited until Monday when the season could be over?

For what it’s worth, here’s the release:

Current Galaxy season ticket holders will have the exclusive rights to purchase their seats until 5 p.m. on Monday, October 22 at which point all seats will become available to the general public.

The Galaxy will discover their post-season fate on Sunday after their game against the Chicago Fire (noon on FSN West and Telefutura) at Toyota Park. If the Galaxy qualify for the playoffs, individual tickets will go on sale immediately after the conclusion of the game. Regular season ticket pricing applies.

Additionally, fans can purchase a special Playoff 4-Pack, which includes four tickets to the Galaxys home playoff game and four Galaxy T-shirts for as little as $100.

If the Galaxy qualify for the post-season, they would play as the No. 4 seed in either the Eastern or Western Conference, meaning that they would host game one of their Conference Semifinal at Home Depot Center on either Saturday, October 27 or Sunday, October 28. The Galaxys opponent in that semifinal series is yet to be determined and could be Chivas USA, D.C. United or the Houston Dynamo.

Numbers Game

A couple of statistical postscripts to Thursday night’s Galaxy game.

After Thursday’s game Cobi Jones moved into sole possession of fourth place on the all-time games played list for professional soccer players in the U.S. compiled by for National Soccer Hall of Fame.

The list includes all regular season and playoff games played in three major leagues, the American Soccer League (19211931), the North American Soccer League (19671984), and Major League Soccer since its first game in 1996.

New England Revolution midfielder Steve Ralston could eclipse the mark set by leader Bill McPherson, whose ASL career extended from the early 1920s into the mid 1930s, if the Revs go all the way to MLS Cup this season.

The top seven:
1. Bill McPherson ASL 370
2. Steve Ralston* MLS 366
3. Bart McGhee ASL 352
4. Cobi Jones* MLS 350
5. Jimmy Gallagher ASL 349
6. Chris Henderson MLS 348
7. Jason Kreis MLS 327
*Active player

In addition, the Galaxy left it (too) late Thursday to score, something they had grown accustomed to doing.

During the Galaxy’s five-game winning streak, their winning goal came during the final 20 minutes of the game:
* Chris Klein in the 72nd minute on Sept. 23, giving LA a 2-1 win over FC Dallas.
* Gavin Glinton in the 80th minute on Sept. 27, giving LA a 1-0 win in Kansas City.
* Gavin Glinton in the 77th minute on Oct. 7, giving LA a 2-1 win in Houston.
* Edson Buddle in the 78th minute on Oct. 13, giving LA a 2-1 win over Toronto FC.

Not this time.

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Result: Red Bull New York 1 Galaxy 1

Now the Galaxy must win in Chicago Sunday to make the playoffs.

But even then they may not make it; if Kansas gets at least a point and Colorado wins Saturday the Galaxy are out.

The Galaxy failed to apply the finishing touch despite having a succession of (mainly poor) corners taken by Beckham in the second half.

Jozy Altidore could have ended the Galaxy’s season in the 91st minute when he broke through and sent a 10-yard shot whistling past the far post.

Both teams picked up the attacking tempo in the second half as the game turned into a more wide open affair, but neither team – and in particular likely MLS MVP Juan Pablo Angel – could score the crucial goal.

Updated:

Tonight’s capacity crowd meant the Galaxy averaged 24,252 at the HDC this year, the biggest per game turnout since the inaugural year of 1996.

Kyle Martino’s yellow card means he misses Sunday’s game because of an accumulation of disciplinary points.

It took the Galaxy 25 minutes to open the locker room to the media, despite the prominent sign outside that reads “Media access 10 minutes after game by order of Commissioner Don Garber.”

“It’s just a sign,” said David Beltran, one of the Galaxy’s three media relations types.

Beckham didn’t deign to speak to reporters despite playing his first game for seven weeks.

Cobi Jones, however, was gracious and clearly emotional about playing for the last time with the Galaxy at the HDC.

“It was a pretty touching (pre-game) ceremony they put on,” he said. “I don’t have any torches or anything to pass. It’s the nature of sports that players come and go and the team stays.”

Jones said he didn’t exactly know what he would do in retirement, but would like some sort of ambassador’s role if possible.

“One of my goals is to give back to the game,” he said.

“Cobi means a lot to this city, to this club and this league,” Coach Frank Yallop said. “It was fitting he played 90 minutes. He’s been one of the best American players to play the game.”

Yallop conceded he’ll be glued to the Internet Saturday looking for updates of other games, while Landon Donovan said he and Joe Cannon, who room together on the road, will probably do the same.

The game story is here.

Highlights are here.

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Beckham Enters Game

David Beckham returned from seven weeks out injured in the 68th minute when he came in for Pete Vagenas with the score tied 1-1 and the Galaxy needing to avoid losing to end their season.

The crowd has gone bananas and the flash bulbs are popping.

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Red Bull New York 1 Galaxy 1 (Half Time)

Two goals in two minutes proved the high point of an otherwise tepid first half with each team only getting a couple of shots on target apiece.

The Galaxy struck first, Landon Donovan getting the better of Seth Stammler to deliver a cross that floated over goalkeeper Jon Conway and was met at the far post by unmarked defender Troy Roberts, who nodded home his second goal of the season. It was Donovan’s 13th assist of the season, tying him for the MLS lead with Chivas USA’s Sacha Kljestan and New England’s Steve Ralston.

New York equalized moments later, when Dave van den Burgh crossed to a completely open Jozy Altidore, who scored his ninth goal of the season from seven yards out.

A buzz goes around the stadium every time Cobi gets the ball, with the crowd willing him to set a up a goal or score.

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Red Bull New York at Galaxy

Coach Frank Yallop has named an unchanged line-up for the second consecutive game as the Galaxy tonight seek their sixth consecutive win.

Joe Cannon is in goal as usual, Chris Klein and Mike Randolph are the full backs, with Chris Klein and Ante Jazic the central defenders.

Cobi Jones, playing the final regular season home game of his long career, starts in midfield with Josh Tudela, Pete Vagenas and Kyle Martino.

Up front is captain Landon Donovan and Carlos Pavon.

And yes, David Beckham is on the bench.

Bruce Arena makes two changes to the Red Bull team that beat Kansas City Saturday, their first win since Sept. 1.

Joe Vide comes in for the suspended Dema Kovalenko in midfield, while striker Francis Doe has a hip injury and did not travel with the team; former Galaxy forward John Wolyniec gets the start alongside Juan Pablo Angel, while Clint Mathis is on the bench.

Claudio Reyna is out with a sprained toe.

Cobi Jones will be honored before the game with what’s likely to be a lengthy presentation.

Updated: After a video presentation that included Cobi Jones highlights and comments by the likes of Sigi Schmid, Kevin Hartman and Steve Sampson (who was roundly booed), MLS Commissioner Don Garber was hauled out and he called Cobi “a great corporate citizen.”

Is that the biggest compliment the league’s head honcho could give one of the greatest American soccer players ever?

Oh, and Cobi got a skiing vacation anywhere in the world as a gift. Apparently, he’s not allowed to ski under the terms of his contract, but has always wanted to try it. Should do wonders for his chronically injured hip.

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Thursday Galaxy Gameday & More

Of Cobi, Angel and Beck’s

Galaxy great Cobi Jones plays his final home game tonight, likely MLS MVP Juan Pablo Angel plays his first MLS game against the Galaxy at Home Depot Center and there could be an appearance by David Beckham.

Beat writer Billy Witz has a Cobi profile and explains the substitution rule and how it relates to Beckham for soccer illiterates.

Kick off is at 8 p.m. on ESPN2 and I’ll blog as usual.

Given the quality of the designated players on the field tonight, (and no, I’m not going to explain what that means) MLS has just released a timely YouTube clip of the pricey imports’ season highlights:

U.S. Wins & Mexico Loses

Guatemala inflicted a rare defeat on Mexico at the Coliseum last night, while the U.S. men and women both won.

I don’t even want to talk about England.

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El Tri Wednesday Gameday & More

El Tri Time

European Championship qualifiers are under way as I write this, the U.S. Men’s National Team plays at 11:30 a.m. in a friendly against Switzerland that airs live on Fox Soccer Channel and Galavision, but here in Southern California the big game is the Mexico-Guatemala contest tonight at the Coliseum.

Ivan Orozco has a preview.

Former Galaxy striker Carlos Ruiz is on the Guatemala roster, by the way.

No Time For Beckham Thursday?

With the Galaxy mounting a late season surge, Coach Frank Yallop must decide how much and, indeed, whether to play David Beckham in Thursday’s crucial game against the New York Red Bulls.

Beck’s (still) isn’t talking to local soccer writers, but Galaxy beat writer Billy Witz takes a look at the pros and cons of that decision.

Prediction: Expect Beck’s to come off the bench if needed.

Meanwhile, columnist Paul Oberjuerge has more on the Galaxy’s resurrection.

Finally, Barefootballer.com, a site run by D.C. United’s Jamil Walker that focuses on training methods and soccer drills posted this video interview with the Galaxy’s Kyle Martino.

Swiss Time

Expect U.S.Coach Bob Bradley to field a young squad against the Swiss with an eye toward next year’s Olympics.

A total of 11 players on the roster, which has an average age of 24, are age-eligible for the 2008 Olympic Games : Freddy Adu, Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu, Benny Feilhaber, Robbie Findley, Tally Hall, Steve Purdy, Chris Seitz, Danny Szetela, Preston Zimmerman and Sal Zizzo.

The U.S. has never beaten the Swiss in seven attempts. The Swiss warmed up for the game with a 3-1 victory Oct. 13 against fellow 2008 European Championship hosts Austria.

Up to the minute info, including the starting line-up, will be posted just before kick off here.

Hope Time?

Meanwhile, the U.S. Women’s National Team plays the second of three post-World Cup games against Mexico tonight largely sight unseen (there’s no TV coverage) in Portland, Ore.

Striker Abby Wambach will be recognized before the game for reaching 100 caps (which actually occurred in the World Cup quarterfinal against England).

Naturally, there’s no mention of goalkeeper Hope Solo’s status on the U.S. Soccer Web site.

Will she be on the bench this time, get a start or just not worry about the whole thing since Coach Greg Ryan could be fired after the third Mexico game anyway?

College Time

Lastly, a brief update on the top-ranked UCLA women’s team is here.

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Tuesday’s (John Bogert) Column: AYSO Angst

Daily Breeze columnist John Bogert would concede he’s no soccer expert, but he knows a jerk when he sees one.

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Bogie outs one of those annoying overly-involved parents living vicariously through their soccer-playing kids in his column that ran today. Specimens like that are one of the reasons AYSO sometimes has difficulty finding refs, coaches and other volunteers.

If you prefer, you can download the column as a podcast here.

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Tuesday’s Column: Galaxy and Chivas USA Ships Passing in the Night?

I compared and contrasted the the Galaxy’s end of season surge and Chivas USA’s swoon in this week’s column.

As mentioned in the column, the Houston Dynamo Monday set up the game of the season so far this coming Saturday at the Home Depot Center against Chivas USA for the Western Conference title after beating Real Salt Lake.

Houston Chronicle blogger Bernado Fallas is already hyping the game.

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Monday Quick Kicks

MLS Playoff Update

Four teams the Chicago Fire, Kansas City Wizards, Colorado Rapids and Los Angeles Galaxy are vying for the two remaining playoff spots as the regular season enters its final week, while Chivas USA still has a shot at the top seed in the Western Conference.

Over the weekend D.C. United clinched the Supporters Shield, given to the team with the best regular season record, becoming the first team to earn the honor two years in a row.

For Chivas USA and the Galaxy the permutations come down to this:

Chivas USA will clinch first place in the Western Conference if Houston loses to Real Salt Lake today or the Goats tie or defeat the Dynamo Saturday.

A Houston draw against Real Salt Lake tonight will set up a showdown with Chivas USA Saturday night for the top seed in the Western Conference.

Wins over New York Thursday and Chicago Sunday will see the Galaxy qualify for the playoffs. The Galaxy are eliminated if they tie New York and fail to win in Chicago.

For the rest: A Kansas City win against host FC Dallas Saturday sends the Wizards to the postseason regardless of other results.

Colorado must win against Real Salt Lake Saturday and get help from other results.

Chicago are in with a win over the Galaxy. A tie against the Galaxy means Chicago will also be looking at the scoreboard seeking help from other teams.

The playoff standings are here.

Sigi Safe

Despite beating the New England Revolution 3-2 Saturday, the Columbus Crew exited the playoff race.

But the job of coach and longtime South Bay resident Sigi Schmid is apparently safe, with the 8-11-10 Crew opting to pick up his one-year option.

Schmid told the Columbus Dispatch:

“If they decide to come back and say they want to go another direction, that’s fine. I think the club right now is in a much better position than it was when I came.”

College Update

Maxwell Griffin’s fifth goal of the year in the 88th minute was enough for the UCLA men (5-5-2) to see off 16th-ranked California Sunday.

Palos Verdes Estates’ Kyle Nakazawa got the assist.

Sophomore Lauren Cheney got two goals and junior Caitlyn Mac Kechnie added another as the top-ranked UCLA women beat Oregon 3-0 Sunday at Drake Stadium. The Bruins, who have won six in a row, improved to 9-1-2 overall.

The Loyola Marymount men (2-7-1) took the lead twice Sunday, but Portland scored four times in a 16-minute second half span to win 5-2 in Oregon.

Next: San Francisco at Sullivan Field 4 p.m. Friday.

The LMU women (9-3-1) won their West Coast Conference opener 1-0 over Pepperdine (3-5-5) Sunday afternoon. The Lions extended their school-record winning streak to nine games, while halting the Waves’ seven-match unbeaten run.

The Cal State Northridge women (2-9-1) lost to 3-1 Long Beach State Sunday afternoon at Matador Soccer Field, despite taking a second minute lead. The Matadors have lost five straight games, while Long Beach remained in first place in the Big West Conference with three straight road wins.

Senior Julio Madrigal scored the game-winner with 11 minutes left to propel 18th-ranked Cal State Dominguez Hills (12-3) to a 2-1 win at Cal State L.A. Sunday giving the Toros their third-straight win and the Golden Eagles their third straight loss.

Cal State Dominguez Hills lead Cal State L.A. by three points in the South Division.

Next: CSUDH plays 4:30 p.m. against Cal State Stanislaus at Toro Stadium.

The CSUDH women (11-2-3) lost 1-0 to Cal State L.A. in only their second conference defeat.

With the victory Cal State L.A. pulled to within four points of Cal State Dominguez Hills for the fourth and final spot in the CCAA Championship Tournament.

Guzan’s Reward

Updated: Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan and New England Revolution forward Taylor Twellman were added to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for the Wednesday game against Euro 2008 co-Host Switzerland in Basel. The game kicks off at 11:30 a.m. live on Fox Soccer Channel and Galavision.

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