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Galaxy Keep Mowing Down Opposition
"We're certainly pleased with the three points," says coach Bruce Arena
Jun 6, 2010 2:57:00 PM
By Jonathan Vera
CARSON, Calif -- It was another smashmouth performance by the Galaxy as this time they trumped the Houston Dynamo 4-1 at the Home Depot Center. Forward Jovan Kirovski knocked in a pair of goals, which was all that was really needed for the victory. But Tristan Bowen's and Brazilian Alex Cazumba's goals in the second were the icing on LA's victory cake.
"We’re certainly pleased to get the three points, said coach Bruce Arena. "Houston played real hard and physical in the first half."
The Orange Crush has had a tough run of late, playing three games in one week (losing all three). Dynamo striker Brain Ching's one word sum up of the past three games: "disappointing." There were concerns about the Dynamo's conditioning coming into the battle, and as the game wore on, their weariness showed.
"I think we were doing okay in the first half and in the second half we ran out of gas," said Dynamo manager Dominic Kinnear.
However, with all respect to Houston's woes, nothing should be taken from the Galaxy's outstanding performance and mental prowess on the pitch. Especially notable was the effort of veteran Kirovski.
"He was excellent," said Arena. "Obviously, the two goals were big. He held the ball well."
“We wanted to get off to a quick start," said Kirovski, the man of the hour. "Sean [Franklin] was breaking down the right. He played a great ball in. I made a little move, found a little space. It was a great ball in, and all I had to do was put it in."
Galaxy rookie Michael Stephens also got his time in the sun, assisting in two of the goals. "I found myself in good spots, high up the field in good attacking positions and I was able to contribute offensively, which is something that I want to continue to do the rest of the season."
"Stephens continues to play well. He’s a very good player and versatile. He can play hard for 90 minutes, and he’s really helped make a difference in our midfield with his quickness and endurance," said Arena about the young midfielder.
The Galaxy seemed to be happy with their performance, and they was deserved. What really seems to be more of a victory is that fact that the squad accomplished this victory, and two others, without key players Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle (both who are representing the US in the World Cup).
"Landon and Edson are gone," confessed Kirovski. "We’ve had guys come in and step up, and we’ve done well. We have a deep squad. Look at our bench; we had Eddie Lewis, Chris Klein, guys that have played in international games and in Europe. We have good quality players.”
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"We’re certainly pleased to get the three points, said coach Bruce Arena. "Houston played real hard and physical in the first half."
The Orange Crush has had a tough run of late, playing three games in one week (losing all three). Dynamo striker Brain Ching's one word sum up of the past three games: "disappointing." There were concerns about the Dynamo's conditioning coming into the battle, and as the game wore on, their weariness showed.
"I think we were doing okay in the first half and in the second half we ran out of gas," said Dynamo manager Dominic Kinnear.
However, with all respect to Houston's woes, nothing should be taken from the Galaxy's outstanding performance and mental prowess on the pitch. Especially notable was the effort of veteran Kirovski.
"He was excellent," said Arena. "Obviously, the two goals were big. He held the ball well."
“We wanted to get off to a quick start," said Kirovski, the man of the hour. "Sean [Franklin] was breaking down the right. He played a great ball in. I made a little move, found a little space. It was a great ball in, and all I had to do was put it in."
Galaxy rookie Michael Stephens also got his time in the sun, assisting in two of the goals. "I found myself in good spots, high up the field in good attacking positions and I was able to contribute offensively, which is something that I want to continue to do the rest of the season."
"Stephens continues to play well. He’s a very good player and versatile. He can play hard for 90 minutes, and he’s really helped make a difference in our midfield with his quickness and endurance," said Arena about the young midfielder.
The Galaxy seemed to be happy with their performance, and they was deserved. What really seems to be more of a victory is that fact that the squad accomplished this victory, and two others, without key players Landon Donovan and Edson Buddle (both who are representing the US in the World Cup).
"Landon and Edson are gone," confessed Kirovski. "We’ve had guys come in and step up, and we’ve done well. We have a deep squad. Look at our bench; we had Eddie Lewis, Chris Klein, guys that have played in international games and in Europe. We have good quality players.”
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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