Landon Donovan on Emmanuel Boateng’s special night

Emmanuel Boateng took over Wednesday’s knockout round game against Real Salt Lake, scoring two goals in an eight-minute span and thoroughly dominating RSL defenders all night.

Landon Donovan had this to say about the youngster:

On Boateng’s first goal

“If Messi scored a goal like that, people would be talking about it for weeks. It was an unbelievable goal.”

https://twitter.com/LAGalaxy/status/791539266379653120

On Boateng’s performance

“The second goal was just as good in some ways. Guys have been telling me since I’ve been back that he has that in him. I think he felt probably a little guilty about the penalty, even though it was a little soft, but he was terrific and we need him to play like that.”

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Galaxy morning recap: Galaxy comes away with a point against Colorado

It wasn’t pretty, it was sometimes frustrating, but the Galaxy wakes up today with a point galaxyfollowing Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Colorado.

The Galaxy is now on 38 points in the Western Conference.

Against any other team and goalkeeper, the Galaxy would have had two or more goals. However, in goal for the Rapids stood Tim Howard and he was on top of his game.

Colorado’s Pablo Mastroeni: “Obviously I think we’ve been a  pretty good defensive team this year. Everything we do is predicated upon our defense. It ignites our attack. It keeps us in games. And when that hasn’t been the case, Tim Howard has come up huge and tonight he had a great game for us.”

Colorado didn’t create many chances, but had one and Shkelzen Gashi buried it in the 51st minute for a 1-0 lead.

The Galaxy, without Robbie Keane, went searching for at least the equalizer. Emmanuel Boateng was effective firing up and down the wings. In fact, it was one of his runs, that set up the corner kick that led to Daniel Steres’ goal.

Yes, Daniel Steres. The center back got on the end of a Steven Gerrard kick and scored in the 62nd minute.

Steres: He (Gerrard) puts in a great ball and I thought over the course of the night that we had a pretty good advantage on set pieces. We were getting our heads on a lot of things; Jelle (Van Damme) had one off the post. A few others, so I think it was bound to happen and that was the one.”

Howard on the goal: “We had given away too many corner kicks all game and it was difficult to defend. Obviously Steven (Gerrard) whips some really good balls in and the big fellas are always getting their head on it. I think when you give LA too many of those they are bound to score.”

My man of the match: Emmanuel Boateng – His work rate was impressive throughout the night and with his speed, was able to get into open spaces and put the Colorado defense in difficult situations.

What’s next: So that ends a strange three-game homestand for the Galaxy where the club only secured two points (2-2 draw against New York and 1-1 against Colorado) and was eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup thanks to five-minute blip against FC Dallas.

In league play, the Galaxy is still undefeated at home (6-0-6). The next two games are on the road.

Up next for the Galaxy: at New York City FC, Aug. 20 (ESPN)

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Emmanuel Boateng taking advantage of opportunities with Galaxy

Emmanuel Boateng has received two consecutive road starts for the Galaxy. galaxy

Boateng, 22, went 63 minutes in both games, and had an assist in the 2-1 victory over Portland (July 23).

This streak ended a four-match stretch where the speedy Boateng didn’t see any playing time.

With a busy stretch on the horizon and as the Galaxy prepare for a late-season run up the Western Conference standings, Boateng has certainly caught the eye of the staff.

“He’s been good,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. “He’s still a little bit up and down with his performances, but I thought obviously, the last couple of games he’s had good moments. He’s going to be a good player for us.

“We’re being patient, he’s sometimes is not always patient, but it takes time. He’s been a good addition to our team and I think he’s going to be an important player the rest of the season.”

Boateng has an interesting background. Born in Ghana, he would eventually end up at Cate School in Carpinteria. He earned 2012 Gatorade Soccer Player of the Year honors and the CIF-SS Division 7 POY award in 2011 and 2012.

He skipped his senior year at Cate for UC Santa Barbara and earned Freshman of the Year honors. Boateng signed with Helsingborgs IF in Sweden’s top division in 2013.

He was signed by the Galaxy in January. He has made 13 appearances with eight starts.

“I’m a young player and I’m going to make mistakes, but just make sure I talk to the coaches, listen to what I have to say and try to improve day in and day out,” Boateng said. “All I can do is take care of things in training and when he gives me the chance in games, I’m doing it.”

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email