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MLS LA Galaxy

Galaxy Fall to Odd Grenland, 1-0

February 24, 2003 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


CARTAGENA, SPAIN (Monday, February 24, 2003) - The 2002 MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Galaxy suffered their first loss of La Manga Cup 2003, falling to Odd Grenland of Norway, 1-0, today. The L.A. Galaxy finished second in Group B action with six points (just one point behind the leader Grenland) in the winter tournament following wins over Lyn Oslo (Norway), 5-0, and Torpedo Moscow (Russia), 3-0. The Galaxy will play in the third place match against Viking (Norway) of Group A on Friday, February 28 at 12:00 pm, meanwhile Odd Grenland will challenge Rosenborg in the La Manga Cup championship.

"I think that the opponent was well prepared and played with great desire," said Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid. "Our goal in preseason is to look at players, prepare and win. Today, we forgot the last part."

The lone goal came in the 25th minute, off a header by Odd Grenland defender Alexander Aas. Midfielder Edwin Van Ankeren sent a free kick into the box from the left side. Aas maneuvered into position and placed his shot just inside the right post, beating Galaxy goalkeeper Dan Popik. Making his first appearance in a Galaxy inform, Popik replaced regular starter Kevin Hartman in goal for this match.

The Galaxy was prevented from implementing their possession and offense as Odd Grenalnd dictated the conditions in midfield with their tactical discipline and physical style of play. Under those conditions, Los Angeles was forced to battle for every scoring opportunity.

In the 34th minute, Danny Califf found the end of a Simon Elliot corner kick, but Califf's right-footed shot sailed just above the cross bar. Seven minutes later, Chris Albright created a one-on-one against the Norwegian goalkeeper Rune Jarstein, but lost the battle as the Odd Greenland goalkeeper met the challenge with a well-timed slide tackle to deflect the ball away.

In the second half, the Norwegian side continued their physically intimidating tactics. However, the Galaxy was able to produce some chances including a header by Hercules Gomez, and an Ezra Hendrickson shot that flew just over the cross bar. Veteran defender Alexi Lalas contributed to the attack with two dangerous attempts, which went just wide of the net.

The Galaxy resumes training tomorrow in preparation for its next match against Viking (Norway) match will take place on Friday, February 28 at 12:00 pm. Los Angeles will depart for MLS Spring Training on Saturday, March 1, 2003 and begin training a Nova University.

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

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