7.08.2007

Galaxy Fight Back To Tie K.C.

The Los Angeles Galaxy overcome a second half 2-goal deficit to earn a tie against the Kansas City Wizards, thanks to a pair of goals from second-half substitute Cobi Jones.

After dominating play in the first half, the Galaxy defense struck again, allowing two quick goals in the first several minutes of half #2. Despite the setback, the team clawed back and got the first goal from Cobi just past an hour . The 37-year-old MLS legend followed up a shot by newly acquired Carlos Pavon that ricocheted off the post, with #13 slotting the rebound past former teammate Kevin Hartman to pull one back.

With 15 minutes left in the game, captain Landon Donovan - pushed out to the right in Frank Yallop's new formation - found Jones in the box with a pinpoint cross that Cobi redirected into the back of the net for his second goal of the game and fourth of the season.

It was Cobi's first multi-goal game in nearly five years and The Dreaded One nearly got a hat trick when he spun on a defender in the box and fired just wide of the far post late in the game. Still, the Galaxy fought back to earn a point and close out the Pre-Beckham Era on a good note.

Player ratings:
Cannon 5.0 - Looked good at times, but miscommunication with defenders led to K.C.'s second goal.
Jazic 4.0 - See above. Opted to head the ball back to Cannon on a line while under pressure in the box, and when J.C. spilled it, K.C. was there to capitalize.
Harden 5.5 - Looks much better in center defense than on the outside.
Xavier 6.5 - Had him ranked a full point higher, but looked sloppy on K.C.'s first goal.
Klein 5.5 - Nothing spectacular, but nothing catastrophic either.
Gray 6.5 - Played well as a holding midfielder, but showed teeth as an attacker as well.
Vagenas 4.0 - Was his usual passback self. Why couldn't we have unloaded this guy instead of Sturgis?
Donovan 6.0 - Spotty performance again... but more consistent than Wednesday's disappearing act.
Martino 5.5 - Showed a lot of fire out there, but never really threatened.
Buddle 3.5 - Worst game of his young Galaxy career. Lost the ball several times in key situations and never looked good in the attack.
Pavon 6.0 - Was good early, went away for a while, and came back strong late, hitting the post before being subbed out.

Cobi Jones (55') 7.5 - What can I say? Made the fans chant his name like it was 1997 all over again.
Glinton (74') 5.0 - Was offsides for a goal kick. Otherwise very average.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Lowest mark for Buddle ? Not surprised at all. I am a Toronto FC fan and blogger and he was the least popular player for a team that is adored by their fans. He lacked speed and finish, did not seem to be in sync with play and lacked anticipation.