MLS LA Galaxy

Three Points: Galaxy Through to the Champions League Semifinals

Published on March 14, 2013 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


CARSON, Calif. - LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his Three Points to the LA Galaxy's 4-1 victory over C.S. Herediano.

Jose Villarreal made his first appearance in all competitions for the LA Galaxy and the 19-year-old forward made an immediate impact displaying poise and maturity alongside Robbie Keane and even bagging a stellar goal.

Throughout the night, Villarreal formed a dangerous partnership with Keane as the pair created several dangerous scoring opportunities. But in the 69th minute, Villarreal's work paid dividends as he displayed a bit of master class for the second goal of the night. Villarreal faked past two defenders with a cut to his left foot and then launched a bomb that sailed into the back of the Herediano net.

After this performance, it would not be too surprising to see Villarreal partner alongside Keane until Landon Donovan makes his return

The LA Galaxy needed an early goal to put Herediano on their heels and in the 18th minute Omar Gonzalez delivered.

The match started off as a high-tempo affair, but the first goal would come for LA off a set piece opportunity. Off a well-placed corner kick by Juninho, Gonzalez found himself unmarked and powwered a header past Herediano goalkeeper Daniel Cambronero. Down a goal, Herediano pushed ahead, but LA would add two more goals, from Villarreal and Keane to pull away. Herediano would pull a goal back in the 85th minute off a fine strike by Eilas Aguilar, but it was too little, too late for the Costa Ricans.

Jack McBean put the capper on the match with a right-footed strike from 16 yards out in the third minute of second half stoppage time.

A U.S. and Mexico clash awaits for the Galaxy in the semifinals as they must take on two-time defending champion Monterrey.

Los Rayados defeated Guatemalan side Xelaj�=BA 4-2 on aggregate in their quarterfinal match up. The match up would be a tantalizing one as it would pit the Galaxy's Omar Gonzalez anchored defense against talented Monterrey attackers Jesus Zavala, Neri Cardozo, and Humberto Suazo. Meanwhile, with the likely inclusion of Landon Donovan, there will be plenty of vitriol on the pitch when the two teams face off.

The first leg will take place at The Home Depot Center between April 2-4 while the second leg will take place at Estadio Tecnol�"gico in Monterrey on April 9-14.

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