MLS LA Galaxy

Galaxy Capture Third Place at La Manga Cup 2003

Published on February 28, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


CARTAGENA, SPAIN (Friday, February 28, 2003) -The defending MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Galaxy finished with a strong performance in La Manga Cup 2003, defeating Viking FK, 3-0. Los Angeles concluded an important phase of its preseason work, placing third in the annual eight-team tournament, which featured clubs from Norway and Russia as well as MLS.

Forward Chris Albright, the Galaxy's leading scorer in the tournament with three goals and one assist, struck twice, while midfielder Mauricio Cienfuegos scored his second goal of the tournament. Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman added his third shutout of the competition in three games played. The Galaxy finished with a record of 3-1-0, scoring 11 goals and allowing only one.

"After losing the third game, I am proud of the team and our mentality to rebound and win third place in such a convincing manner," said Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid.

The Galaxy started on the road to victory in the 20th minute. Second-year midfielder Hercules Gomez fed Albright from the left wing. Albright unleashed a right-footed shot from close range that beat Viking goalkeeper Frode Olsen. Only 13 minutes later, Albright scored his second goal of the afternoon with another powerful right-footed finish. Jason Moore picked up the assist with an entry pass from the left wing.

"I just finished well on both goals today," said Albright. "I scored three times at La Manga and that reminds me of last year's preseason in Chile where I scored some goals, but then I got injured. I just hope that I can stay healthy this time around."

The third and final goal came in the 54th minute, thanks to the accuracy of Cienfuegos' left foot. Albright assisted on the goal, feeding the Salvadoran midfielder, who crushed the ball into the left side of the net.

"When I replaced Cobi Jones in the second half of the game, I was instructed by coach Sigi Schmid to move behind the forwards with the freedom to play in every space available," said Cienfuegos. "I got a perfect service by Chris and saw an opening at the left post. I shot with my left foot, something that is not very common for me."

In other action, Rosenborg captured La Manga Cup 2003 with a 1-0 victory over Odd Grenland. The Galaxy finished in third place with Viking coming in fourth. Torpedo Moscow defeated Rubin, also from Russia, 1-0, in the fifth-place game, while the San Jose Earthquakes captured seventh place, sending Norway's Lyn Oslo to last place after a 3-0 win.

The L.A. Galaxy depart tomorrow for MLS Spring Training in Fort Lauderdale, FL where the team will train at Nova Southeastern University until March 6. The Galaxy will play the Colorado Rapids in a Copa Carnaval doubleheader at Miami's Orange Bowl on March 5 (6:00 pm PT), which is being held in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary of Carnaval Miami's Calle Ocho. The MLS doubleheader is one of the highlight sporting events of Carnaval Miami, the largest celebration of Hispanic culture in the U.S., gripping South Florida from Feb. 28 through March 9.

For more information regarding 2003 Los Angeles Galaxy season tickets at The Home Depot Center, please call the Galaxy toll free at (877) 3GALAXY.

Check out the LA Galaxy Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from February 28, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central