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12,000 fans turned up at the Victoria Street Grounds to watch the LA Galaxy prepare for their second straight title defense with a 6-2 victory over Club Tijuana. The Galaxy trotted out opening day possibility number two against Tijuana Xolos, with Sean Franklin starting in the midfield and A.J. DeLaGarza out wide. With Tommy Meyer unavailable, Leonardo got the start next to Omar Gonzalez. He showed well, even getting the Galaxy's second goal with a slow bouncer from the top of the box.
Robbie Keane started up top with Mike Magee, and scored the opening goal four minutes in simply willing the ball in a straight line past Tijuana's inexperienced back line. Keane went sixty minutes as per the plan, as did A.J. DeLaGarza. Keane wore the captains band, as he will come opening day. Don't be surprised if Keane is named the captain this year. DeLaGarza played behind Sean Franklin, and that pairing didn't go much of anywhere.
The more lively pairing was the side with Colin Clark in front of Bryan Gaul. Gaul was playing such a high line than Clark became almost a third forward. Not that this sprung Clark. Robbie Keane got a walk in goal cause the Tijuana defense was too spread out early, but that's it. Gaul scored two second half goals, notching in a Michael Stephens header early and then walking in a ball in junk time.
The other opening day option is Mike Stephens in the midfield and the regular back line. Stephens showed well, but is still known for being defensively minded. I like Sean Franklin being allowed to roam free, he creates problems and adds width on the outside.
At halftime we had mass subs, including trailist Mathaus Ferreira. Draft picks Greg Cochrane, Kofi Opare, and Charlie Rugg made appearances after halftime, with Rugg showing himself to be an especially imposing figure. Supplemental draft pick Andy Reimer was not listed on the roster.
Greg Cochrane made a name for himself, hustling on the pitch and getting an assist on Hector Jimenez's goal. Jack McBean got the Galaxy's fifth goal, not giving up on a ball that should have been the keeper's.
Referee Juan Guzman made himself well known in a somewhat rough match in the rain. He gave out two straight reds, both to players who had just came into the match. There were a number of yellows, and fouls galore.
There's not much to learn from the matches' play, but one can surmise that the Galaxy look like a soccer team. Which is good, since they play soccer. I'll update the depth chart tonight, but let's all get some rest. Stay classy, Los Angeles.