In a match filled with strange refereeing and sometimes awkward play, the LA Galaxy topped Alajuelense in Los Angeles, 2-0, to stay atop Group A of the CONCACAF Champions League after two matchdays. Omar Gonzalez got the first goal for the Galaxy and Chad Barrett added one of his own, but the Costa Rican side did have their chances. In the end, LA prevailed, but were dealt a a couple blows with Juniho being shown a late red card and Gregg Berhalter going off with an injury.
LA Galaxy Vs. Alajuelense, CONCACAF Champions League: Galaxy Stay Top Of Group With 2-0 Win
Galaxy manager Bruce Arena had planned on resting several starters, Omar Gonzalez and David Beckham included, against Alejuelense, but their MLS match scheduled for Sunday was postponed due to the threat of Hurricane Irene. That allowed him to go ahead with a full strength squad, which paid off in the 37th minute. Beckham's corner kick found the head of Gonzalez and the towering defender was able to nod home the opening goal to put LA on top.
While the Galaxy had a lead and had other chances like Adam Cristman's header off of the crossbar, they were hardly comfortable. Alajuelense pushed forward and challenged the LA backline with regularity. In each half they had golden opportunities to score, only to be denied by Josh Saunders. The LA keeper came off his line to make a great save with the Galaxy defense completely beaten in the first half, the he got down to make a diving save in the second half on a shot from just 10 yards.
In the 77th minute, LA was able to get some breathing room when a good run to the near post by Robbie Keane dragged the defense with him, leaving a gaping hole in the center. Sean Franklin delivered a cross right to Barrett, who came into the center for an easy finish to seal the Galaxy win.
With the match in the bag, Juninho came flying in with a late challenge in the air. The referee was wrong to show him a red card, presumably for an elbow that never hit Christopher Meneses above the shoulders, but Juninho should have never made the challenge. He gave a referee who showed all match long that he was prone to poor decisions the opportunity to send him off and that’s what the referee did. LA will now be without him when they play Morelia on matchday three in Mexico and they may also be without Berhalter, who went off in the first half with what appeared to be a serious foot injury, but the extent of his injury is unknown.
LA leads Group A with six points now, but they will have to play three of their final four group stage matches away from the Home Depot Center. Alajuelense is on three points, even with Morelia for second in the group, although they are behind Morelia on goal difference.
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