By DAN KARELL
In his second season in Major League Soccer, Los Angeles Galaxy forward Jose Villarreal is clearly finding his comfort zone.
The U.S. youth international has already earned nine starts this season for the Galaxy and was a bonafide starter for the U.S. Under-20 side at the World Cup last month. His growth and maturation as a professional was on full display in the Galaxy’s 3-1 friendly defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Villarreal, collecting a clearance at the top of the box in the 63rd minute, skillfully evaded two Real Madrid defenders before launching a left-footed strike past opposing goalkeeper Diego Lopez to make the score 2-1.
Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema (two goals) and midfielder Angel Di Maria (one goal) provided the scoring on the night for the Spanish club.
Here are the highlights of the match (Villarreal’s goal begins at :39):