CARSON, CA (February 24, 2016) – The LA Galaxy and Santos Laguna drew 0-0 at StubHub Center in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League series.
The Galaxy came out very aggressive with several corners and chances in the opening minutes. Center back Jelle Van Damme nearly scored two minutes in on a header. Santos goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin batted it away and Robbie Keane was unable to pounce on the rebound. Gyasi Zardes started up top with Keane but quickly switched to right midfield as Giovani dos Santos moved up top.
Keane nearly scored later in the half. Steven Gerrard delivered a great ball into the box as Keane made a run to slip his defender, but was unable to get his head on it. The Galaxy continued to be the better team going forward, creating several chances and shots. Santos owned more possession in the later stages of the half, but were not dangerous. Their shots were either over the bar or right at goalkeeper Dan Kennedy. Kennedy’s positioning was excellent in his Galaxy debut.
Santos was much more aggressive in the second half. They created several good chances through Luis Mendoza and Bryan Rabello. The Galaxy weathered the storm thanks to active defending from Jelle Van Damme and Nigel de Jong. The visitor’s best chances came in 67th and 78th minute. First Dos Santos cleared a ball off the line on the far post from Martin Bravo. Then a dangerous Javier Orozco header nearly went in. Molina nearly deflected it in, but came up late and slammed against the post.
The Galaxy continued to sit deep and absorb pressure. They were able to create a few chances on the counter but nothing as dangerous as their chances in the first half. Diego Gonzalez will miss the second leg due to yellow card accumulation. The second leg will be next Tuesday at 7 pm PST at Estadio Corona TSM in Torreon, Mexico.
LA Galaxy 0, Santos Laguna 0
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 – 7:00 p.m. PT
2015-16 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinals – First Leg
StubHub Center – Carson, California
Scoring Summary:
None
Misconduct Summary:
SAN – Diego Gonzalez (caution) 34’
LA – Jelle Van Damme (caution) 39’
LA – Giovani dos Santos (caution) 62’
LA – Steven Gerrard (caution) 81’
Lineups:
LA Galaxy: Dan Kennedy; Robbie Rogers, A.J. DeLaGarza, Jelle Van Damme, Ashley Cole; Giovani dos Santos (Mike Magee 86’), Steven Gerrard, Nigel de Jong, Emmanuel Boateng (Sebastian Lletget 67’); Gyasi Zardes, Robbie Keane ©
Substitutions not used: Brian Rowe, Oscar Sorto, Dave Romney, Baggio Husidic, Mike Magee, Alan Gordon.
SHOTS: 11; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; CORNERS: 7; OFFSIDES: 0; SAVES: 5
Santos Laguna: Agustin Marchesin; Javier Abella, Jesus Molina, Diego Gonzalez, Luis Angel Mendoza (Diego de Buen 90’+3), Bryan Rabello (Ulises Davila 87’), Nestor Calderon, Nestor Araujo, Jorge Villafana, Martin Bravo (Javier Orozco 69’), Carlos Izquierdoz
Substitutions not used: Kristian Alvarez, Adrian Aldrete, Julio Gonzalez, Jorge Sanchez.
SHOTS: 9; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; CORNERS: 5; OFFSIDES: 0; SAVES: 3
Referee: Armando Castro (Honduras)
Referee’s Assistants: Christian Ramirez, Walter Lopez (Honduras)
4th Official: Melvin Matamoros (Honduras)
Attendance: 18,922
Main Photo:
