LA Galaxy top Real Salt Lake in preseason scrimmage

The LA Galaxy defeated Real Salt Lake 1-0 in a scrimmage Tuesday afternoon at the StubHub Center training grounds. Head coach Curt Onalfo opted to play the reserves before gradually inserting the starters in the second half.

LA went ahead before the break when Jack McBean collected the ball and surged upfield before locating Emmanuel Boateng, who beat his defender and squared a cross into the path of Jamie Villarreal for the easy finish.

LA almost got on the board in the second half when substitute Jermaine Jones squared a low cross that just whizzed past Lletget’s foot and shaved off the right post.

What did we learn? There were a number of positives. First and foremost, Jack McBean played sharp, effortlessly winning aerial battles and making life difficult for the RSL back line.

Los Dos right back Nathan Smith acquitted himself well, as the former UCLA product was calm and composed on the ball and looked the part, which could be important if the Galaxy need another option back there.

Miguel Aguilar also quietly had a good performance, frustrating the RSL midfield with his tidy possession to the point that he started to get hacked down. With so many options in attack, its a shame Jamie Villarreal might not get a crack at the first team this year, because the younger brother of Jose Villarreal is another individual who didn’t look out of place.

LA conclude their pre-season with a friendly this Saturday vs. the Portland Timbers at the StubHub Center.