Carson, CA (August 6, 2015) – In a game that saw questionable referee decisions and a Giovani dos Santos goal, the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Central FC 5-1. A primarily reserve side for the LA Galaxy took the visitors to task late after a rough first half.
The match began with good promise for the home team. Alan Gordon scored on a header in the 4th minute off of a good cross from Gyasi Zardes. Just one minute later, Head Referee Chris Reid called a phantom penalty against Brian Rowe. Ataullah Guerra converted from the spot and it was 1-1.
LA Galaxy Blow Out Central FC In Rough CCL Opener
The Galaxy seems a bit flusters after the match was leveled. While they kept possession of the ball, they had trouble creating scoring chances with their opportunities. Zardes was called offsides several times while making runs into the box.
The officiating crew continued their controversial evening ruling the ball out of bounce on the touch line after Gordon put the ball in the net.
This frustration ended in 32nd minute. Raul Mendiola received a pass from Gordon. Mendiola continued his run around the keeper Jan-Michael Williams and put the ball in an empty net.
Four minutes later, Williams and Mendiola collided just outside the box. Mendiola was making a run at a long ball and Williams came off his line. Williams ran into Mendiola with an elbow to the back of the head. While not malicious, the play appeared to be reckless.
Only after the play did Reid call a foul and give Williams a yellow card. Mendiola was subbed out for Sebastian Lletget. The half ended 2-1 LA Galaxy.
Ten minutes into the second half, Gordon won a penalty and Zardes converted from the spot.
Gordon had been the recipient of several hard fouls and appeared hobbled. He was subbed out in the 59th minute for Dos Santos. Interestingly enough, Gordon the player who subbed out for David Beckham’s first appearance with the Galaxy in a friendly against Chelsea.
With Central FC fatigued and out of it, LA Galaxy exhibited several good build up playst, Tiki Taco style. Dos Santos scored in the 76th minute from Lletget and Rafa Garcia. Ignacio Maganto added a late goal as well.
The match ended 5-1, an scoreline some expected even though it happened in an unexpected way. The Galaxy will host Communicaciones on August 18th.
