Inglewood’s Jose Villarreal Rescues LA Galaxy

Toronto 2 Galaxy 2

And a class last-gasp goal it was too, capping an entertaining game that had a little of everything: defensive errors on both sides, excellent goals by both teams, the return of Landon Donovan, Mike Magee building on his cult-like status with yet another goal and fine performances by attack-minded local youngsters Jack McBean and Jose Villarreal.

Galaxy coach Bruce Arena did not blame central defender Omar Gonzalez for failing to shut down the Toronto attack that led to their second goal:

“It was a long week,” Arena said referring to Gonzalez’ starring role for the U.S. against Mexico earlier in the week. “He can see he was a little bit tired at the end.  It’s a lot of games and a lot of travel.  It’s not surprising his legs were heavy in the second half.

 

“He had to run more today than he did on Tuesday in Mexico.  He did well, the whole team obviously as a defensive effort by the U.S. team was outstanding.”

Donovan conceded he has some work to do after missing a chance he usually would have put away as a matter of routine just seconds after coming into the game, but also appears to have rediscovered his zest for the game:

“I gave away a lot of passes that I wouldn’t normally give away,” he said.”I’m just not sharp in a soccer way and I’m probably going to need a week or two and then that will come back. … It was a lot of fun.  I haven’t felt that way playing in a very long time.  That was the desired goal when I stepped away and it was nice to be back.”

Watch:

LA Galaxy – Carlo Cudicini; Leonardo (Colin Clark 85’), Omar Gonzalzez, A.J. DeLaGarza, Todd Dunivant ©; Juninho, Sean Franklin, Marcelo Sarvas, Michael Stephens (Jose Villarreal 70’); Mike Magee, Jack McBean (Landon Donovan 61’)

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