Комментарии к сообщению #52130

L.A. GALAXY PLACES ITS FOOT PRINT ON LA MANGA CUP 2003

By Blasting Lyn Oslo with a 5-0 Score, the Reigning MLS Champions Debuted in High Fashion

CARTAGENA, SPAIN (Tuesday, February 18, 2003) - Midfielder Gavin Glinton continued his preseason scoring streak scoring two goals to propel the Los Angeles Galaxy to a resounding 5-0 shutout win over Lyn Oslo F.C. of Norway's First Division on Tuesday in the club's first match of the La Manga Cup 2003 in Cartagena, Spain. Chris Albright, Alexi Lalas, and Sasha Victorine each contributed a goal, while Simon Elliott posted a hat-trick with a three-assist performance.

After the convincing performance at Field G of the La Manga Club complex, organizers of La Manga Cup 2003, identified the L.A. Galaxy as one of the early favorites to win the eight-team tournament.

Galaxy coach Sigi Schmid quickly rebuffed the early prediction stating, "I think that Rosenborg is the tournament favorite," referring to the perennial Norwegian champion, who on Monday beat the San Jose Earthquakes, 2-0, in Group A action.


Other participants in La Manga Cup 2003 are Rubin (Russia) and Viking (Norway) in Group A, while Galaxy's Group B has Torpedo Moscow (Russia) and Odd Grenland (Norway). In additional action today, Torpedo and Odd Grenland played to a 1-1 draw in the night game.

"I'm pleased with our first game, especially with the performances of Myung Bo and Alex Pineda Chacón, our new players," said Schmid.

The Galaxy scored early and in pairs on a cold and cloudy day to secure the outcome of the game with a solid defensive performance that nullified the quick and very physical attack of the Norwegian side. Offensively, the MLS Champion used a variety of weapons with long passes from the midfield, crosses from both sides of the field, as well as, a different pace on the flow of the ball that left Lyn defenseless.

Glinton scored his first goal in the 6th minute finishing a nice service from Simon Elliott. Glinton collected the 35 yards pass at the top of the box and beat one defender before finishing with right-foot blast past the right hand of Lyn's goalkeeper.

The second goal came just 10 minutes later in a perfect header by Sasha Victorine. Victorine placed the ball near the far post off a cross from the left side by Glinton.

The first half ended with a two-goal advantage for the Galaxy, while Lyn tried unsuccessfully to get on the board. The best chances for the Norwegian club to score resulted from corner kicks and throw-ins, but were stopped by Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman and his defensive line.

In the second half, the Galaxy doubled its goal total by the 53rd minute, turning the match into a one-side contest. In the 49th minute, Elliott sent a corner kick from the right flank for Lalas, who scored with a right-footed shot from 12 yards out.

Four minutes later, Albright got a service from Elliott to the right side of the field and from 30 yards out, with a clinical right-footed touch, chipped the ball over the head of goalkeeper Thomas Andre Odegard.

The cherry on top was Glinton's second goal of the afternoon in the 88th minute, off a pass by Mauricio Cienfuegos, to beat the Lyn goalkeeper for the fifth time with a crossing shot from left to right.

The Galaxy resumes training tomorrow in preparation for its next two matches against Torpedo Moscow (Russia) on Friday, February 21 at 6:30 pm and Odd Grenland (Norway) 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.

GALAXY POST-GAME QUOTES:

Gavin Glinton - On his two goals

"It's always nice to score and I'm happy for my two goals, but I don't think that I had my best performance today. I'm sure that I can improve."

Chris Albright - On his goal

"Simon played a good ball to me. I thought that he would play it for the left side, but instead, he swung it to the right. I saw the goalie was one or two steps out and since I didn't have many options I just chipped him."

Was this your best goal as Galaxy player?

"No. This was my second best goal. Number one, is the one I scored last year in Chile in a game against Colo Colo, a back heel."

Scoring Summary:

1 2 F

LA 2 3 5

Lyn 0 0 0

1-0 (6 Minute): Glinton (Elliott)

2-0 (16 Minute): Victorine (Glinton)

3-0 (49 Minute): Lalas (Elliott)

4-0 (53 Minute): Albright (Elliott)

5-0 (88 Minute): Glinton (Cienfuegos)

Galaxy Lineup: Kevin Hartman, Danny Califf, Alexi Lalas, Tyrone Marshall, Ezra Hendrickson (Scot Thompson, 70), Hong Myung Bo (Jesús Ochoa, 46), Simon Elliott, Sasha Victorine (José Retiz, 46), Alex Pineda Chacón (Mauricio Cienfuegos, 46), Chris Albright (Hérculez Gómez, 61), Gavin Glinton

Lyn Oslo Lineup: Thomas Andre Odegard, Frode Hansen, Mounir Hamoud, Steven Lustu, Ole Bjorn Sundgot, Johann Gudmundsson, Per Egil Swift, Helgi Sigurdsson, Per Egil Swift, Jan Derek Sorensen, Yngvar Hakonsen, Pal Rustadstuen (Kostopher Dahl, 32; Geir Kasene, 64)

Referee: Jonny DiHetsen (Norway)

Assistant Referees: Dgotein Harring and Jan Bratthen (Norway)

All pictures by Timothy Liszewski