MLS LA Galaxy

Galaxy Tops Torpedo Moscow, 3-0

Published on February 21, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


CARTAGENA, SPAIN (Friday, February 21, 2003) - The Los Angeles Galaxy earned its second consecutive shutout victory by defeating Russian club Torpedo Moscow, 3-0, to secure first place in Group B at La Manga Cup 2003. Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman added his second shutout, while midfielders Hercules Gomez, Mauricio Cienfuegos and Sasha Victorine each scored in the victory.

In the Galaxy's second appearance at the La Manga Cup, head coach Sigi Schmid injected new blood into the lineup, giving Jesus Ochoa, Herculez Gomez, Scot Thompson, Jose Retiz and Jason Moore the opportunity to join the starting eleven. Veterans Mauricio Cienfuegos, Hong Myung Bo, Tyrone Marshall and Ezra Hendrickson rounded out the starters.

"It was a great win because we were able to insert several new players into the starting lineup and still maintain a high level of play," said Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid. "Anytime you have an opportunity to play against quality European competition, it's a great experience. Winning just adds a special flavor."

Early in the game, the mixture of youth and experience paid off. Jason Moore wasted little time moving into the attack as the first half began. Taking a feed from teammate Mauricio Cienfuegos on the right wing, Moore sent a low cross in for Herculez Gomez. The Las Vegas native blasted a right-footed shot from six yards out into the net for the first goal.

In the 34th minute, Torpedo goalkeeper Dmitry Borodin was called for a handball outside the box as he attempted to stop a one-on-one with Alejandro Moreno. Norwegian Referee Tommig Shjeruen sent off Borodin with a straight red-card for the offense. On the ensuing free kick, Cienfuegos stepped up and struck a curving shot over the wall and into the upper corner.

"I carefully measured the free kick and decided to go over the wall for the upper corner," said Cienfuegos.

In 50th minute, Sasha Victorine put home his second goal of the tournament. Jesus Ochoa sent a corner kick curling outwards to the far side of the penalty area. Danny Califf got above his defender and re-directed the ball to Victorine, who tucked it into the open net.

Torpedo Moscow suffered another blow in the 64th minute as midfielder Alexandre Lukhvich received his second yellow card, forcing Moscow to play the remainder of the match with nine men.

The Galaxy resumes training tomorrow in preparation for its next match against Odd Grenland (Norway), who sits with four points following a win over Lyn Oslo (3-1) and a tie against Torpedo Moscow. The Galaxy-Odd Grenland match will take place on Monday, February 24 at 12:00 pm.

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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Major League Soccer Stories from February 21, 2003


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