By IVES GALARCEP
The Los Angeles Galaxy can count themselves both lucky and cheated coming away from Thursday’s CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal opener vs. Herediano, but they won’t leave Costa Rica too unhappy with a scoreless draw.
The Galaxy had a Mike Magee goal incorrectly ruled offside, then saw a late Herediano penalty kick crash off the crossbar (after a very questionable penalty call).
The final result was a draw that sends the Galaxy back to Home Depot Center next week needing a win to secure a place in the Champions League semifinals.
Ismael Gomez nearly snatched a winner for Herediano after going down easily after contact from Sean Franklin, but Gomez promptly blasted his 87th-minute penalty kick off the crossbar.
Magee looked to have a valuable road goal in the bag in the 58th minute only to have the linesman rule the goal offside. Replays showed Magee to be clearly onside.
Magee came close to scoring on two occasions, sending a shot off the woodwork in the first half.
The Galaxy return to Home Depot Center on Wednesday for the second leg, and will look to erase the memories of last year’s disappointing quarterfinal second-leg loss to Toronto FC.
What did you think of the match? See the Galaxy winning the second leg? Think the referee cost the Galaxy a win?
Share your thoughts below.