Galaxy II Claim Inaugural Victory
March 24, 2014 - United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release
CARSON, Calif. - The LA Galaxy II took victory in their inaugural contest in USL PRO as Kenney Walker had a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win against the Orange County Blues at the StubHub Center Track and Field Stadium on Saturday night.
The Galaxy had the better of the play for much of the first half and took the lead five minutes before the break when Charlie Rugg scored the first goal in club history with a well-struck shot from 22 yards that found the right corner of the net.
The Blues hit back quickly as Stephen Okai curled home a free kick from 25 yards out to even the score three minutes later. The Galaxy II regained the lead just before halftime, however, as Walker was able to put home the rebound after Blues goalkeeper Patrick McLain parried a shot by Rugg.
The Galaxy II added to their lead nine minutes into the second half from a corner, with Walker's delivery headed home by defender Daniel Steres at the near post. The Blues almost found a way back into the game just past the hour mark when Enrique Cardenas' fierce effort was turned away by Galaxy II goalkeeper Cody Laurendi, but Curt Onalfo's side comfortably closed out the victory.
CHARLESTON 1, ORLANDO 1: The Charleston Battery and Orlando City finished with honors even in the opening game of the 2014 USL PRO season at Blackbaud Stadium. Mamadou Diouf gave the Battery the lead, but Austin da Luz hit back to earn the Lions a point.
Both sides had chances in the opening half and Charleston goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper made a pair of good saves to deny Kevin Molino and Darwin Ceren to keep the game scoreless. Charleston took the lead 20 minutes into the second half as a good pass by Omar Salgado found fellow Whitecaps loanee Diouf in space on the left, and the former UConn standout cut onto his right foot in the penalty area and drove home a finish at the near post.
The Lions got back on even terms 10 minutes later after a good spell of possession. Luke Boden sent a cross into the penalty area that was knocked down and da Luz hit a first-time finish into the left corner of the net. Both sides pushed for a winner as the game became stretched and Charleston was reduced to 10 men in stoppage time as Quinton Griffith was sent off for a strong challenge, but neither was able to produce a winner.
RESULTS
Saturday, March 22
Charleston 1, Orlando 1
LA Galaxy II 3, Orange County 1
SCHEDULE
Saturday, March 29
Charleston vs. Richmond, 7:30 p.m. ET
Orlando vs. Pittsburgh, 7:30 p.m. ET
LA Galaxy II vs. Sacramento, 10:30 p.m. ET
Sunday, March 30
New York Red Bulls Reserves vs. Dayton, 6 p.m. ET
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