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Galaxy ready for MLS after successful preseason

February 23, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS) Los Angeles Galaxy

GOLETA, Calif. - The preseason is over for the LA Galaxy. The next time Bruce Arena's squad steps onto a stadium field, the games will count, starting with the regular season opener on March 3 against the Chicago Fire at The Home Depot Center.

LA ended their preseason in winning fashion with a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids at Harder Stadium on the campus of U.C. Santa Barbara. A goal from Drew Moor put the Rapids ahead early in the first half, but LA responded with a pair of goals, first from Marcelo Sarvas in the 36th and then, the winner from Jack McBean in the 80th minute.

The match was their second against MLS competition as the club ends the preseason with a 5-1-1 record.

"It was a good game for both teams. The Galaxy and the Rapids got a lot out of it and it helped both teams prepare for the opening games of the season," said Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena. "Both coaches would say that it was good to give extended minutes to their starters."

Offering potential opening starters extended minutes was a primary aspect of the preseason finale as seven players went the distance for the Galaxy. LA's entire defense including Carlo Cudicini went the distance while Juninho and Robbie Keane both played the full 90 minutes.

With the preseason firmly behind his club and the home opener-and the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series against Herediano -looming, Arena believes his club are well poised to start the season.

"It was a good preseason for us. We slowly moved our team forward and made a lot of progress and obviously, we're going to find out a lot more now as we start the season," said Arena. "I feel good about the fact that we've made progress. We've had a good healthy attitude with the guys, but once the season kicks off as they say "stuff happens" so we have to see where we are. But I think that we're mentally ready to start the season the right the way and that translates into some wins to start the season."

But will the Galaxy ready for March 3?

"We have to be don't we? We've got no choice to be honest with you," said Keane. "If we're not ready the other team will sure let us know. We have to be ready and the preseason has gone as well as it could have. We've won games and the most important thing is getting our fitness down. Tonight was a good exercise...it puts us in good stead for next week."

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