CARSON, California – It was a triumphant return for Mexican-American Jose Villarreal as the LA native scored the first goal of the 2015 MLS season in his return to the Galaxy after a yearlong loan with Liga MX club, Cruz Azul.
“Last year we loaned him to Azul and it didn’t work out,” said LA Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena. “So 2014 was a little bit of a wasted year, but he’s a player with a lot of talent. We asked him to make this transition to midfield, but he’s worked real hard to get fit, and we’re pretty excited about his development.”
It was the 2015 MLS opener for both teams and for the Galaxy, the first game of the post-Landon Donovan era in Los Angeles. The Fire were looking to rebound after a season opening loss to the Galaxy in 2013 and a disappointing campaign last season. However, it was the defending MLS Cup Champions who dominated the match 2-0 on a night that celebrated the Galaxy’s 5th MLS Cup title.
Villarreal netted home the game’s first goal in the 65th minute after a turnover in the box cost Chicago dearly. Fire defender, Jeff Larentowicz, bobbled a clearance attempt and Villarreal streaked through the box and shot across his body as the ball just got by keeper Sean Johnson.
“I was hoping Palmer [Lovel Palmer] would let that slide. They had a miscommunication with the other center back so luckily they left it dangling there for me like a peach so it was perfect for me and I had to slide it in,” said Villarreal of his goal.
The error proved to be costly for Chicago, as they did not get many more chances after that. Villarreal came off the pitch to a standing ovation by his hometown in the 70th minute as super-sub, Alan Gordon, replaced him.
“It was really special,” added Villarreal about the ovation from the crowd. “The fans are great and they are always supporting us and that really helps us out.”
Robbie Keane made it 2-0 Galaxy when he took a pass off the back of the head of Baggio Husidic in the 81st minute and hammered it home. It was the first goal of the season for the 2014 MLS MVP.
“I went up looking for Keane and I didn’t think it would be that nice of a pass, but it ended up working out,” added Husidic.
There were unexpected surprises in the staring XI for the Galaxy as head coach Bruce Arena chose to start Brian Rowe in goal over presumed starter, Jaime Penedo. Kenny Walker, and Villarreal started in the midfield over Bradford Jamieson, Husidic and A.J. DeLaGarza who are still recovering from injuries.
“Jamie had some knocks in preseason and hasn’t played that much,” said Arena about his choice of goalie. “We felt Brian [Rowe] was a little bit ahead of Jamie at this point and went with Brian.”
It was a scoreless first half for both teams, but it was only a matter of time before LA, one of the elite teams in the MLS, broke through. The Galaxy repeatedly challenged the Fire’s defense in the first half and had all the opportunities as they outshot Chicago 7 to 2 in the first 45 minutes.
The Galaxy lacked precision and timing at times, but at others looked sharp as ever. Many passes were either off the mark or the wrong weight as LA squandered many chances throughout the game. Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez, who was sensational in back for LA, also made a number of great passes throughout the game. He helped setup Villarreal’s first goal, and it was his ball that found the back of Husidic’s head that led to Keane’s second goal of the game.
“Anytime I can be involved in the attack it takes me back to my old days,” said Gonzalez about his play on offensive. “I always try and be the first line of attack and I’m happy tonight that it worked out.”
Donovan was a part of the Galaxy’s 2014 MLS Cup Championship banner raising ceremony before the game and even started the game on the Galaxy bench before heading up to a suite to watch the second half.
“It was different not to see him [Donovan] in a jersey,” said Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes. “He is always supporting us and he still texts me so it’s like he’s still on the team.”
Donovan retired after the LA Galaxy’s MLS Cup victory over the New England Revolution last December. He left the game as the most decorated player in both MLS and US Soccer history.
Game Notes:
Before the game, the Galaxy raised their 2014 MLS Cup Champions banner and debuted their new 5,100 square foot LED video board that cost roughly $15-million dollars. Former LA Galaxy star, and 2013 MLS MVP, Mike Magee, was out for Chicago as he recovers from hip surgery.
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