Los Angeles Blues News Release -- www.labluesprosoccer.com
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
FULLERTON, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Blues earned a 1-1 draw against Gangwon FC from the K League Classic, the top division in the Korean Football pyramid, at Titan Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. Artur Aghasyan scored for the Blues as they rallied from a first-half deficit in their second outing of the preseason.
It was not a walk in the park for the Blues against a side that had also scrimmaged Major League Soccer's Chivas USA in its trip to California, and Los Angeles trailed 1-0 for much of the first half. The Blues overcame the first few attacks from the Koreans but were later caught off-guard by a counter-attack that led to the opening goal that gave Gangwon FC the lead. The Blues, however, were able to keep their defense tight and their man-marking skills were magnificent as they managed to keep the Korean forwards quiet until the halftime break.
The Blues were also very disciplined at the back and kept the score respectable. In attack, the Blues were very motivated to score and try to get back in the game, but the combination of Sergio Ortiz and Chris Cortez often failed to penetrate the Korean defense.
Coach Jesus Rico-Sanz made changes to start the second half, but the main change that turned the game around was the introduction of Aghasyan. Right from the start, the forward who played in the U.S. Open Cup for Cal FC a year ago, terrorized the defense from the right side. There were a lot of chances that he created which could have led to an equalizer, but the Blues were able to draw level after Aghasyan made a run into the penalty area to cap a good passing move with a finish from inside the box.
The Blues performance in the second half was improved as they controlled possession for much of the second 45 minutes. Los Angeles had opportunities to find a winner, but was unable to convert one of its late opportunities as the two teams settled for a draw.