Carson, CA (August 18, 2015) – In their second match in CONCACF Champions League group play, the Los Angeles Galaxy dominated CDS Communicaciones, winning 5-0. The Galaxy started only two of their Best XI, Giovani dos Santos and Gyasi Zardes. Solo center forward Alan Gordon wore the Captain’s Armband.
The MLS side wasted no time. Five minutes into the match, Zardes unleashed Dos Santos with a through pass down the side line. Dos Santos took a touch towards the box and floated a ball in front of the net. Mika Varynen first time volleyed the ball into the back of the net.
Four minutes later, Gordon would strip Communicaciones keeper, Juan Paredes, and jog the ball into an empty net. It was a horrible mistake by the keeper and an easy finish for Gordon.
The Guatemalan side created a few chances on the counter, but Brian Rowe was not troubled, coming off his line several times to make saves. The half ended at 2-0 as the teams traded chances. The Galaxy still had the better of the play after the second goal and were probably unlucky to not be up by more.
The second half began with Robbie Keane subbing on for Zardes. Dos Santos moved out wide in the formation and later was paired up top with Keane.
The half was in a bit of a lull. In the 54th minute, Kenny Walker made a excellent through pass to Keane. The Irish International ran onto the ball, made a move to shake his defender, and passed it to Gordon for a tap in goal. Keane drew three defenders towards him on the play, leaving Gordon wide open for another easy finish.
Needing a comeback, Communicaciones made two subs in the 60th minute. Carlos Mejia and Emilian Lopez came on for Jairo Arreola and Jean Marquez.
Their best chance came in the 62nd minute. Forward Ronaldo Blackburn found a long ball and was in on goal. Dan Gargan closed him down to cut down the angle and Rowe came off his line to make the save.
In the 76th minute, Gordon was subbed off for Sebastian Lletget.
In the 87th minute, Rafael Garcia made a great long pass to Keane and Dos Santos. The two forwards beat the offsides trap. It was a two man break away and Dos Santos unselfishly passed to Keane for an easy tap in.
Two minutes later, the Galaxy had a good build up in the final third. Walker floated a pass into the six to Keane. Keane chipped the ball over Paredes for a brace.
The match finished 5-0. Keane and Gordon finished with a brace. Walker and Dos Santos finished with two assists each. The MLS side now has 6 points and a +9 goal differential. Group D is all but wrapped up. They continue their CCL play on September 23 when they travel to Trinidad to play Central FC.
The Galaxy are back in action on Sunday at home against New York City FC. Kick off is set for 12 noon PST.
