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."
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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.