USL PRO Game Report
Saturday, April 19, 2014
CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy II battled back from a goal down to beat the Orange County Blues 3-1 at StubHub Center Track and Field Stadium on Saturday evening. Charlie Rugg, Chandler Hoffman and Laurent Courtois all scored for the LA Galaxy’s USL PRO affiliate to improve Los Dos’ record to 3-1-1 in their inaugural campaign.
The Blues took the lead in the ninth minute when Jiovanni Santana capitalized on a defensive miscue to slot the ball past LA goalkeeper Cody Laurendi. LA Galaxy II almost equalized immediately after going behind after Raul Mendiola rounded the goalkeeper, then laid the ball off perfectly to Rugg, who could only hit his shot off the post. Despite several chances to equalize, Los Dos went into the second half down to their in-state rivals.
Head coach Curt Onalfo’s side eventually found an equalizer in the 49th minute when a brilliant pass from captain Rafael Garcia put Rugg one-on-one with the keeper and he finished with aplomb.
Jack McBean was introduced for the goal scorer Rugg in the 69th minute and he made an instant impact. Just four minutes after coming on, the Orange County-native headed down an Oscar Sorto cross perfectly into the path of Hoffman who finished easily from close range.
The Blues nearly clawed their way back into the match five minutes later but William Prado missed wide after rounding Laurendi with the goalmouth gaping. Los Dos sealed the victory in stoppage time when substitute Laurent Courtois chipped a beautiful ball over McLain after another lay off from McBean.
The LA Galaxy II return to action next Friday night when they travel to Phoenix to take on Arizona United in the club’s first ever road match. The game will take place at 7:10 p.m. PT at Peoria Sports Complex. The Blues will return to Anteater Stadium this Thursday night as they host the Harrisburg City Islanders at 7:30 p.m. PT.