LA Galaxy outlast NYCFC 3-0 in 2018 preseason match

An Ola Kamara blast in the 9th minute was enough for LA before a Tomas-Hillard Arce header and late Baggio Husidic goal gave the Galaxy a through 3-0 victory Saturday night at the StubHub Center in their second preseason match of 2018.

In the first 45 minutes Sigi Schmid put out the same starting 11 in Tuscon vs. RSL with one exception: Michael Ciani was rotated in for Daniel Steres.

LA were buzzing early, and after some early opportunities the Galaxy went ahead. Romain Alessandrini unleashed a rocket outside the left corner of the 18-yard box that beat goalkeeper Brad Stuver but slammed off the underside of the crossbar, only for new signing Ola Kamara to pounce on the weak clearance and slam home a half-volley from close range.

Kamara was arguably LA’s best player in the first half, showing up all over the field and making his presence felt. The Norwegian international was unlucky to earn an assist after playing provider only for Giovani dos Santos to miss a 27th minute chance. Unfortunately the exercise was spoiled somewhat when Ronald Matarrita was issued a red card right before the half.

Schmid introduced a new starting 11 for the second half as LA continued to press for goals. After close chances from Ethan Zubak and Sebastian Lletget, 2018 SuperDraft pick Tomas-Hilliard scored his first goal for the club, getting free centrally inside the box to easily nod home a Baggio Husidic cross.

The match fizzled out somewhat afterwards with both teams struggling with match fitness, but Baggio Hudisic would tap in a third off a rebound late to land LA a comprehensive victory.