Galaxy update: Keane named to Ireland squad as expected, free HDC parking for Thursday’s CONCACAF CL game

i-97c7506cd01c7642019c46eb08575d73-232167904c-1.jpgHead over heels: Robbie Keane scored on his Galaxy debut Saturday and retains his place in the Ireland squad as expected for two upcoming European Championship qualifiers (AP Photo).

*I’m guessing Robbie Keane will head to Ireland directly after Sunday’s game in New York, which means he’ll miss the rescheduled Galaxy game in Kansas City on Labor Day.

The tough part will be traveling back from Russia for the home game against the Colorado Rapids Friday, Sept. 9.

Keane has described these games as “massive” and reiterated he’s “100 percent committed to Ireland – when he’s not with the Galaxy:

DUBLIN (AP) — Captain Robbie Keane has retained his place in the Ireland squad for next month’s 2012 European Championship qualifiers despite moving to the Galaxy.

The striker will travel back from the United States for the Sept. 2 home match against
Slovakia and the trip to Moscow to play Russia four days later.

Keane scored in his MLS debut Saturday as the Galaxy beat the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0.

Ireland tops Group B on goal difference ahead of Russia and Slovakia.

Coach Giovanni Trapattoni expects players to link up with the squad even if they are injured so they can be assessed by Ireland’s medical staff.

*Did you know? According to MLS, “if the LA Galaxy defeat the New York Red Bulls on Sunday evening at Red Bull Arena, they will become the first team to clinch a spot in the 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs this season. No other scenarios exist by which an MLS club can clinch or be eliminated from playoff contention this week. ”

Incidentally, the league also said today that the game will air in more than 100 nations – “the most international distribution of any regular season MLS game this year.”

*From the About Time Department comes word the Galaxy will provide complimentary parking to fans attending Thursday’s CONCACAF Champions League group game against Costa Rican champion LD Alajuelense at Home Depot Center. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. with parking lots opening at 5 p.m. for all fans.

Let’s hope fans respond to this and show up in greater numbers than they did for the CONCACAF CL opener against Motagua.

From the Galaxy press release:

Alajuelense are currently tied with the Galaxy for the top spot in Group A with identical 1-0-0 records for three points.

Alajuelense won their Group A opener 1-0 over Mexican side Monarcas Morelia behind a late goal from Jonathan McDonald while the Galaxy defeated CD Motagua of Honduras, 2-0, on August 16 with goals from Adam Cristman and Landon Donovan.

In Costa Rican Primera Division play, Alajuelense are in first place with a 4-0-1 record for 13 points from their first five games of the season.

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