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Galaxy defeats Osasuna's "B" side, 2-1

March 8, 2005 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


PAMPLONA, SPAIN (Tuesday, March 8, 2005) - The Los Angeles Galaxy scored a goal in each half and defeated CA Osasuna's "B" side by a 2-1 margin on Tuesday morning at Escuela de Fútbol Tajonar in Pamplona, Spain. The match was the first of three this week for the Galaxy as they continue their preseason trip. Guillermo Ramirez opened his Galaxy career with a goal before Osasuna's Borja Rubiata equalized for the hosts before the interval. Ramirez' countryman, Carlos Ruiz, provided the game-winning tally for the Galaxy midway through the second half.

Though the Galaxy had a couple of chances in the opening minutes to no avail, it was Ramirez who finally put his first opportunity away in the ninth minute after a collision between Galaxy forward Alan Gordon and Osasuna goalkeeper Roberto Santamaria.

With Santamaria whistled for a foul just outside the box, Ramirez lined up and struck a laser of a free kick on which the 'keeper had no chance, despite his best efforts.

Soon after the goal, the hosts responded with a couple of chances but were turned aside by the Galaxy defense until rookie Troy Roberts was judged to have handled the ball on the left side of the penalty area in the 19th minute. From there, Rubiata hit a low shot to the left of Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders, who guessed correctly, only to see the ball elude his reach.

The teams traded chances for the remainder of the half, but neither hit home and they entered halftime deadlocked.

The hosts opened the second half as the better team but were unable to penetrate the Galaxy defense successfully. The Galaxy meanwhile, took advantage of their best chance and earned the win when Ruiz recorded the game winner ten minutes from time.

The Galaxy will continue their stay in Pamplona with another match on Wednesday - this time against Osasuna's first division club at Estadio El Sadar at 8:30 pm (Pamplona time). That match will be televised throughout the Southland on Saturday, March 12 at 4 pm (PT) on Telemundo.

The Los Angeles Galaxy are pleased to once again offer fans "The Best Seats in the House" at The Home Depot Center. For the Galaxy's first two home games in 2005 (April 9 vs. Real Salt Lake and April 23 vs. CD Chivas USA), the club will be selling 100 seats along one touchline on a first-come, first-served basis. Each ticket costs $150 per game and includes a Decade of Stars t-shirt and the actual chair the fan sits in. For more information on "The Best Seats in the House" or to purchase tickets, call the Galaxy Ticket Office toll-free at 1-877-3GALAXY.

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