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Galaxy Notebook: Galaxy defeats UCLA 2-1, Ricketts “day to day” and more

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BY ADAM SERRANO

The LA Galaxy defeated UCLA, 2-1 in their final preseason warm-up before the start of the season.

Landon Donovan and Juninho provided the goals for the Galaxy while Victor Chavez scored for the Bruins. Los Angeles dominated the early part of the match when Juninho cracked the UCLA defense with a goal through a number of UCLA defenders. Donovan capped off the scoring for the Galaxy early in the second half off a run from a good passing sequence from the midfield. The Bruins battled back in the second half, but could not find the equalizer.

The Galaxy opens the season on March 15th on the road against the Seattle Sounders.

More news from the Galaxy after the jump:

RICKETTS PICKS UP A “KNOCK”

Donovan Ricketts was taken out of the club’s match with Club Tijuana and did nt feature in the victory over UCLA. Josh Saunders went the full 90 minutes and conceding only one goal. Head Coach Bruce Arena described the injury as a “knock,” but stated that “it was not serious” and that Ricketts was “day to day.”

KEAT RETURNS

Rookie Daniel Keat has returned to the practice field for the Galaxy, starting initial ball work on Monday after six weeks out of practice. Keat cracked his heel during the first game of the combine, but was chosen by the Galaxy in the supplemental draft. Despite not playing, the former Dartmouth standout was signed to a contract by the team. Keat admits that the confidence that Arena has shown in him has him motivated to make an impact in his rookie season.

“It’s been frustrating to miss the first six weeks of preseason, but I’ve been itching to play and maybe it will end up helping me in the end,” said Keat. “[Arena] has had a lot of confidence in me to stick with me through this time and they’ve told me to be patient and keep working hard so it can work out.”

DELAGARZA SEEKS STABILITY

A.J. DeLaGarza has proven himself to be the league's finest utility player, but has aspirations for something more.

DeLaGarza played a number of positions from right back, left back to central defense with the Galaxy in 2010 succeeding well in the utility role that he was given. However, in 2011, DeLaGarza would like to battle for a set place in the starting line-up. 

"I'm not sure yet at this moment where I'll play[on th field], but everyone will get their minutes because we hope to play 60 plus games hopefully with Champions League and Open Cup," said DeLaGarza."I would prefer any spot and anywhere they need me I'll be there..and if I get a starting spot then I'll do my best to hold it."

Think Ricketts will start in the Season Opener? Will DeLaGarza crack the starting XI? Can Keat make an impact as a rookie?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. In your dreams MLS is better..and the Man U loss was a clean loss that WASN’T SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN, LIKE THE GOAL UCLA SCORED WASN’T SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN. Thats the problem with US soccer, we settle for mediocracy. Thats why we are beat or tie with teams higher in the FIFA rankings (Mexico, Columbia, Denmark etc)and we are content. Ya I do find it funny too….lol.

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  2. I really like De LaGarza’s game. Reminds me of Corey Ashe a few seasons back when the Dynamo were stacked. I hope he can take that next step this year, him and Franklin should be dominating the wings with their pace, but it just hasn’t been consistent enough yet.

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  3. In defense of Earl – he was most likely screened by several players before he picked up the ball in flight. By then, the ball was in the back of the net.

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  4. What exactly do they have to lose? Injured players? Of course, that risk doesn’t exist when they play other professional teams during the preseason.

    They also won’t gain match fitness or sharpness, either…

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  5. Adam,

    The LA Seattle game is the 15th… I hope because that is when I can and will show up.

    Man, it was too long an offseason.

    SEEEEAAAATTTLE SOOOOUNNDERS!

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  6. When you start talking about how good a team is on their preseason games, you really lose all credibility.

    Of course the MLS haters, with no cred, do it in droves.

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  7. Are you Joking? your’re talking about preseason and i bet you were one of those kids who discredited KC’s win over Manchester United. Ya i do find it funny when people compare them because the MLS is better.

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  8. I don’t know why the Galaxy or any other pro team would play a college team. They have everything to lose and little to gain.

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  9. Man, what happened to Earl Edwards? He was supposed to be the next big thing, but watching him just stand there on the first goal was pretty sad.

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  10. Thats why is so funny when people try to compare MLS to Leagues in turkey, greece, english 1 division, denmark etc. A college team got a goal from one of the power houses of MLS (Galaxy reserves should beat the best college team no sweat!!!)….makes you wonder

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  11. Salcedo has been building a very good team at UCLA. In the highlights it looked to me that the G’s made them look like a college team. That is saying something because the reports I’m getting are they have quite a few pro prospects in the pipeline.

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  12. when it’s UCLA, it’s good. They beat Mourinho’s Chelsea during their summer visit, and I think they beat [a rebuilding] Chivas USA a couple days ago.

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