March 12, 2010
SAN DIEGO - The San Diego State men's soccer team recently played the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer in a spring scrimmage at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The Aztecs fell to the Western Division champs, 5-2.
Arman Nadjafi and captain Raymundo Reza each scored for SDSU, which only traveled 11 field players, while goalkeeper Brad Byrns made many quality saves.
It didn't take long for the Galaxy to get its first chance as San Diego State was whistled for a hand ball inside its own box in the first minute of play. Byrns, however, came up with the save on the penalty kick attempt to keep the game scoreless.
LA took advantage of its next chance in the 10th minute when one of its players converted off a corner kick.
In the 14th minutes, another hand ball was called, giving Los Angeles another penalty kick. This time the kick missed the frame and the score would remain, 1-0.
The Galaxy kept up its pressure over the next 10 minutes with many breakaway attempts that were either stopped by a game Byrns or missed wide or high of the net.
Aztec midfielders Pedro Adan and Jose Altamirano controlled possession for the rest of the half, save a few beautiful combinations by LA. Just as SDSU started to play with rhythm, Los Angeles struck for goals in the 32nd and 43rd minute, respectively. San Diego State was hurt by playing with only one starting defender from a year ago.
The Aztecs finally broke through for a score late in the half when Reza flicked a ball to Nadjafi. Nadjafi ran through and beat Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts on the dribble before walking the ball into the net.
LA responded with a goal in the final minutes to take a 4-1 lead into halftime intermission.
SDSU played much better in the second half as each player seemed more comfortable with their positions. The second half score reflected the changes as the teams played to a 1-1 draw over the final 45.
Reza scored for San Diego State after his previous shot in the half was saved and deflected off the crossbar. This time Reza took a pass from the back and calmly slotted his shot into the lower corner as the Los Angeles keeper had no chance for a save.
The Galaxy scored the final goal of the game to win the exhibition match, 5-2.
The Aztecs continue their spring season March 27 with games against local derbies San Diego and Point Loma Nazarene at Valley Field. Times have yet to be determined. On March 25-26, San Diego State will play host to a free soccer clinic. Click here for more information.