For 90 minutes, Alajuelense was better than the Los Angeles Galaxy, which made it just when they were able to hang on late for a 1-0 win over their American visitors. The two entered the night as part of a three-way tie for first place in Group A of the CONCACAF Champions League so there was a lot riding on the match and the fans in Costa Rica knew it, filling the stadium with singing and chanting for all 90 minutes. In the end, they got to go home happy thanks to pablo Gabas, whose brilliant free kick won the match for the home side.
Alajuelense Vs. LA Galaxy, 2011 CONCACAF Champions League: Pablo Gabas Free Kicks Wins It For Hosts
Over the course of the match, he Galaxy gave away several free kicks in their own half, but most were from a long ways out and weren’t supposed to threaten them much. They defend set pieces extraordinarily well so they were safe giving away fouls more than 25 yards from goal, right? Wrong. They didn’t account for Gabas who decided that being more than 25 yards away didn’t have to stop him from having a go at goal. He absolutely ripped a shot into the upper corner for an incredible goal and one that proved to be the winner.
For most of the match, Alajuelense were the better side. They pressured the Galaxy's midfield and forced give aways. They got open wide and forced the Galaxy to make many scrambling clearances. LA had trouble tracking their runs from the midfield and they had to retreat to keep the hosts from getting chance after chance. That left them in a poor position to attack and they struggled to create chances. Their one good chance came on a spilled shot, but despite having most of the goal to shoot at, Landon Donovan rushed and put the rebound wide of the frame.
Late on, the Galaxy earned several corner kicks. With David Beckham hitting them and several towering players, LA has been deadly on set pieces all year, but Alajuelense was able to clear every LA corner kick and hold on for the win.
The win moves Alajuelense to the top of Group A on nine points. LA remains in a tie with Morelia on six points, but Morelia does have a match in hand. They will play Motagua on Thursday.
See More:
