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Jubilant Real Salt Lake Get Boost From First Road Win
The Galaxy were gloomy after their home loss versus a sharp and effective Real Salt Lake club.
Jun 14, 2009 7:40:28 AM
CARSON, Calif. -- The unbeaten streak of the Los Angeles Galaxy came to an abrupt end
after a desultory effort at home versus a revitalized Real Salt Lake
squad that exploited their advantage with a strong midfield corps to
create and finish chances in a 2-0 victory.
Galaxy forward Alan Gordon was deeply disappointed in the loss.
"It hurts deep, losing like that at home. They came out and they just beat us, all around the park. They did a good job tonight."
Though the Galaxy were able to perform well without Landon Donovan, who has half the team's goals this season, in their previous match, a win against Toronto, the absence of the striker and, to another degree, David Beckham, seemed to take a toll.
"We miss those players every time they're not here," said Gordon. "It doesn't take a loss to know that we miss them. They're two great players. They are players who will help us out when they're here."
One reason Real Salt Lake seemed to dominate was because their 4-3-3 formation seemed to be clicking on the night perfectly. Also, young star Yura Movsisyan, who was playing before a large contingent of family and friends from nearby Pasadena, had an excellent performance. He notched the opening goal with a tricky move and a sizzling strike into the goal.
"He was absolutely fantastic tonight," said RSL coach Jason Kreis.
Movsisyan admitted to having extra motivation.
"Coming back home for me is always special - it's the place where everything started," explained the forward.
Clint Mathis was another key performer for the Utah squad. The team's chameleon, Mathis has played all over the field this season and yet seemed perfectly comfortable as the third forward, helping to set up both goals.
"He's a versatile player; he's a smart player," praised Kreis. "He's an important player for us."
Kyle Beckerman and Javier Morales helped Real Salt Lake create many chances by possessing the ball well against Galaxy challenges.
"They won the midfield battle, and that's a big part of the game," Gordon acknowledged. "When you control the midfield as well as they did, you're going to create chances."
Galaxy defender Berhalter seemed a bit miffed about the officiating, questioning the decision that sent Eddie Lewis off after he tossed a ball and hit a fallen Morales.
"We're just a little bit unlucky. It was a bit hard from the referee. He didn't throw a punch, he just threw the ball back at the guy. They seem to be calling little stuff very severely, and letting other stuff go."
Perhaps not surprisingly, Kreis disagreed.
"He threw the ball at Javier when he was on the ground," said Kreis. "That's ejectionable."
The Galaxy coach didn't think much of the call, however.
"If you're at a U-8 game, that's definitely a red card," Arena said dryly.
Andrea Canales, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page!
Galaxy forward Alan Gordon was deeply disappointed in the loss.
"It hurts deep, losing like that at home. They came out and they just beat us, all around the park. They did a good job tonight."
Though the Galaxy were able to perform well without Landon Donovan, who has half the team's goals this season, in their previous match, a win against Toronto, the absence of the striker and, to another degree, David Beckham, seemed to take a toll.
"We miss those players every time they're not here," said Gordon. "It doesn't take a loss to know that we miss them. They're two great players. They are players who will help us out when they're here."
One reason Real Salt Lake seemed to dominate was because their 4-3-3 formation seemed to be clicking on the night perfectly. Also, young star Yura Movsisyan, who was playing before a large contingent of family and friends from nearby Pasadena, had an excellent performance. He notched the opening goal with a tricky move and a sizzling strike into the goal.
"He was absolutely fantastic tonight," said RSL coach Jason Kreis.
Movsisyan admitted to having extra motivation.
"Coming back home for me is always special - it's the place where everything started," explained the forward.
Clint Mathis was another key performer for the Utah squad. The team's chameleon, Mathis has played all over the field this season and yet seemed perfectly comfortable as the third forward, helping to set up both goals.
"He's a versatile player; he's a smart player," praised Kreis. "He's an important player for us."
Kyle Beckerman and Javier Morales helped Real Salt Lake create many chances by possessing the ball well against Galaxy challenges.
"They won the midfield battle, and that's a big part of the game," Gordon acknowledged. "When you control the midfield as well as they did, you're going to create chances."
Galaxy defender Berhalter seemed a bit miffed about the officiating, questioning the decision that sent Eddie Lewis off after he tossed a ball and hit a fallen Morales.
"We're just a little bit unlucky. It was a bit hard from the referee. He didn't throw a punch, he just threw the ball back at the guy. They seem to be calling little stuff very severely, and letting other stuff go."
Perhaps not surprisingly, Kreis disagreed.
"He threw the ball at Javier when he was on the ground," said Kreis. "That's ejectionable."
The Galaxy coach didn't think much of the call, however.
"If you're at a U-8 game, that's definitely a red card," Arena said dryly.
Andrea Canales, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page!
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