Galactic Wrap-Up

I know, I know, it's been a while since I've updated you on the state of the Los Angeles Galaxy. But have no fear, I have returned with your weekly fix of all things Galactic. So, on with the show.

When we last saw our heroes, they were preparing to face the Columbus Crew in Ohio for their July 22nd match. Still not having lost since June 17th, and on a 5 game shutout streak, the Galaxy looked to keep the forward momentum going. Unfortunately, the game got off to a bad start. 9 minutes into the match, the Crew managed to penetrate the Galactic defense, and make contact with Hartman's net, thus ending the shutout streak. But the Galaxy would not fold under the pressure exerted by the Crew. Just 6 short minutes after the initial goal, Galaxy Captain Pete Vagenas equalizes the entire mess once more. And that would be all she wrote. The first 15 minutes of the match saw the only 2 goals that would be scored. The game ends in a tie, and Galaxy walks away with one point. (It's better than a loss!)

Next, the Galaxy headed up to UC Santa Barbara's Harder Stadium for an exhibition match with Mexico's Cruz Azul. Donovan would not be present for the match, seeing that he pulled a hamstring during warm-ups. (Already, it was looking bleak!) This was not a pretty match, Folks! Cronin was in the Galactic net for Hartman, and did it ever show. The Cementeros (Cruz Azul's nickname) were off to an early start, having scored late in the 1st half, and finishing the half unanswered. Out of the lockers, one of my favorite newbies, Kyle Martino, even things up for the Galaxy, and suddenly it was 1-1 in the 56th minute. But The Cementeros were relentless. And the 2nd half ended with 3 more unanswered goals by Cruz Azul. Final score, a devastating 4-1. (Thank God this didn't count!) This is the 3rd time the Galaxy have met up with Cruz Azul, having previously won and tied, the score now stands at 1-1-1.

This past Tuesday (Aug. 1st), the Galaxy began their defense of their U.S. Open Cup as they met up with Dallas-based FC Roma, who has been somewhat of a Cinderella story in this year's tournament. They had previously beaten Galactic rival Chivas USA in their advancement. The Galaxy, being the defending champs, had the burden of proof squarely on their shoulders. But the fledgling FC Roma seemed to have met their match at the good ol' HDC. The Galaxy certainly was not going to let their championship slip through their fingers so easily. The Galactic offense was fast and furious, and FC Roma was quite lucky that the final score ended up being only 2-0, with goals scored by Quavas Kirk and Alan Gordon. And just like that, the Galaxy hold on to their title, even if it is for a few more weeks. They advance to the Quarterfinals.

Next up: We head into the All-Star break. On Saturday, August 5th, the MLS All-Stars square off against two-time English Premiere League champions, Chelsea FC. They bring with them German national superstar Michael Ballack, and British Nationals Joe Cole, Frank Lampard, and John Terry. On the MLS side, Donovan was supposed to play, but due to his injury before the Cruz Azul match, he's going to have to sit this one out. But we still have Chris Albright there to cheer on. The game is this Saturday, August 5th, at 3:30pm Pacific time at the Chicago Fire's newly constructed stadium, Toyota Park, in Bridgeview, IL. After that, the Galaxy continue their road trip as they head to Houston to take on the Dynamo on Wednesday, August 9th. We're looking for another win, guys! Let's hope Donovan is better by then.