LA Galaxy U-18's Defeat Rayo Vallecano in Warm-Up for Real Sociedad Youth Tournament

(quote and photo provided by adidas ITP) The LA Galaxy U-18 is currently in Spain for Real Sociedad XXVII Youth Invitation Tournament, and today defeated Rayo Vallecano 2-1 in a warm up match for the tournament. The Galaxy U-18's have been in Spain since April 1st, training at the Royal Spanish Football Federation's official City of Football complex. Head coach Eddie Soto was high on his team's performance today:

"We have a philosophy, we have a style of play that we have been playing...and will play anywhere. Tonight was the opportunity to play against a very good side that is physically strong, and their ability to play quickly is something we are not use to seeing back home. To get a good result it was great...and we didn't change the way we play. We still looked to play the ball out of the back and combine, and keep possession."

The Galaxy's first goal came when Jack McBean stepped up and took a penalty in the '11, after Jaime Villarreal (Jose's brother) was fouled in the box. Villarreal and McBean were first half standouts, with Jaime dominating all facets and McBean challenging the Vallecano keeper.

Vallecano got one back in the '87, but the Galaxy went ahead again one minute later when Sebastian Velasquez found the back of the net. Velasquez had been active all match.

One has to like Soto's words about the U-18's style of play. Playing strong and quick is not only something not emphasized in American soccer, it's not always emphasized on the senior roster where possession and set pieces are valued highly. While the U-18's did run the 4-4-2 today, they've been known to go 4-3-3 in the past.

Now the U-18's head to San Sebastian to start tournament play on April 6th.

The LA Galaxy trip to Spain was offered through "The adidas International Training program" and is operated by eSoccer. adidas ITP is an elite soccer travel resource that is dedicated to providing developmental/educational experiences for top level youth soccer players, college players and coaches.

For more information please go www.adidassoccertravel.com