UCLA Drops First Spring Game, 2-1, To LA Galaxy
March 9, 2011
The UCLA men's soccer team hung tough against MLS powerhouse LA Galaxy but dropped its first spring game, 2-1, on Wednesday morning at The Home Depot Center. Freshman Victor Chavez scored the Bruins' only goal in the second half.
The Galaxy played most of its full squad, including Landon Donovan for the first 51 minutes, David Beckham for the full game, and Juan Pablo Angel for 80 minutes. Also seeing action for the Galaxy were UCLA alumni Chad Barrett (started at forward), Frankie Hejduk and Michael Stephens.
Midfielder Juninho scored the first Galaxy goal in the 22nd minute, beating UCLA goalkeeper Earl Edwards with a shot just inside the post.
Armed with a 1-0 lead at halftime, the Galaxy went up 2-0 just five minutes into the start of the second half on a goal by Donovan to the far post past second-half starter Brian Rowe. Barrett assisted on the goal.
Just five minutes later, though, UCLA cut the lead in half on a goal from 16 yards out by Victor Chavez. The Bruins had a chance to equalize in the 65th minute, but Fernando Monge hit the post.
UCLA is 2-1 so far this spring, with wins over USL squad LA Blues (4-1) and MLS squad Chivas USA (2-1).