The LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders met this afternoon in LA's first reserve match of the year. It was the first chance since preseason to see some of the younger players in action. Good news on the injury front, as everyone currently listed on the MLS Injury Report (save Mike Magee who played Saturday against FC Dallas) saw time on the pitch today.
LA Galaxy starting lineup: Perk; Sorto, Meyer, Opare, Gaul; Stephens, Jimenez, Garcia, Hoffman; Villarreal, Rugg
Jose Villarreal came of the pitch before halftime clutching his arm and could not return. His condition is currently unknown. This was Chandler Hoffman's first action in a Galaxy uniform, but his play was unremarkable. Hector Jimenez saw time both in the center and out wide. Michael Stephens wore the captain's armband.
LA Galaxy reserves subs: Kyle Reynish (guest), Walker, Zardes, Clark; [academy players] Nathan Smith, Drew Murphy, Arriola, Meniola
The subs were a bit more interesting. Kyle Renish is just guesting, he's contracted with the New York Cosmos after going unpicked in the 2012 Re-Entry draft. He had eight appearances with Real Salt Lake over six years. He did not appear in today's reserve match.
All three of the contracted players on the bench made it into the match. Kenny Walker and Gyasi Zardes are both recovering from the same surgery. Zardes got involved right away after coming in, showing off the quickness that has him one of the top rated prospects out there. Colin Clark got some time, he only went 55 minutes in Dallas and has shown little thus far.
The two academy players to get onto the pitch with Raul Mendiola and Paul Arriola. Both are players who are next in line on the Homegrown player contract list. Mendiola showed some crisp passing, and had a good showing in the Dallas Cup. Arriola didn't get much time today, but he had a good showing at the Dallas Cup as well.
The Galaxy's lone goal came on a penalty kick, Charlie Rugg was taken down in the box with a harsh tackle. Hector Jimenez took the penalty kick.
We'll update the depth chart soon. Bryan Gaul is still the heir apparent behind Todd Dunivant even with Greg Cochrane stepping up in Dallas. Interesting that Chandler Hoffman, who was brought in as forward depth, started in a position where the Galaxy are truly thin.