LA Galaxy Lack Energy, But Coffee's For Closers; Lose 2-1 To Houston

The LA Galaxy lost to the Houston Dynamo today, 2-1, in their first ever match at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Galaxy were able to get the opening goal, but an own goal by Mike Magee and then a corner kick header put Houston in front. The Heat Index made things miserable on the pitch, and the Galaxy showed that fatigue in the second half.

The Galaxy opening goal came at the 10' as LA managed an early goal for the second straight match. Bryan Jordan made a defense opening run that gave Chad Barrett a look inside the box. He was able to find Edson Buddle right in front of the six yard box with a roller, and Buddle was able to guide the ball past Tally Hall with his left foot.

At the other end of the pitch in the 38' Je-Vaughn Watson found Brian Ching on the right side of the box. Ching's shot bounced hard off the top right corner of the woodwork and fell right in front of goal. Mike Magee's left footed attempt at a first touch went straight into the back of the net.

The go ahead goal came in the second half for Houston. Brad David took a corner kick in the 57' that flew toward the middle of the six yard box. Houston defender Andre Hainault was able to get his 6'2" body up to head the ball inside the far post.

An Edson Buddle header on a David Beckham corner kick in the 51' was probably the Galaxy's best attempt on goal the whole second half, as the heat and humidity seemed to catch up to them. Bruce Arena's subs after giving up the go ahead goal were defensive, seeming to fear going down two goals more than he hoped for an equalizer.

The Galaxy now go on a two weekend break as the United States national team plays a series of warmups for World Cup Qualifying. Robbie Keane is also off getting ready for the European Championship. When the team gets back together, they'll sure have a lot to work out.