Barcelona Too Much for Galaxy

Sergio and Barcelona played keep away from Steven Gerrard and the Galaxy.

Sergio and Barcelona played keep away from Steven Gerrard and the Galaxy. (Photo by Duane Barker)

By Tim Peterson

(Pasadena) – FC Barcelona dominated the action from beginning to end and beat the LA Galaxy 2-1 Tuesday in the International Champions Cup before 93,236 at the Rose Bowl.

Barcelona was in absolute control in the first half as they were in possession 76% of the time to compared to 23 for the Galaxy.

Luis Suarez scored for Barcelona in the 45th minute after the Galaxy failed to clear. Suarez may have got away with a hand ball but there was no call and Barca was up 1-0 at half.

Bradford Jameison and the Galaxy get a score in the second half to cut the lead to 2-1 (Photo by Duane Barker)

Bradford Jameison and the Galaxy get a score in the second half to cut the lead to 2-1 (Photo by Duane Barker)

Steven Gerrard had a run early in the half and then made a cross to Dan Gargan but it was blocked by Barcelona. Barca had an opportunity on a corner by Suarez but he sailed it high over the bar.

Barcelona had another shot when Sergio Roberto fired one on goal but it whistled wide right in the 35th minute.

Suarez then broke the scoreless tie.

Barcelona dominated the first half. They had eight total shots to none for LA. Also Barca controlled the ball 76 % to 23 for the Galaxy. Do total passes matter? Barcelona had 398 to 121 for LA.

Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena made wholesale changes in the second half replacing nearly all of his starters.

“They (the reserves) did well. I think it is a fabulous experience for them. Some of these kids are 19 years old, playing against an outstanding club. I don’t think Robbie (Keane) and Steven (Gerrard) need these games as much as the young kids need the experience,” Arena said. “You can tell them a lot of things but until they step on the field and experience it against quality players they don’t fully comprehend. Tonight for our young players it was an invaluable experience.”

Barcelona continued to pressure early in the second half. Galaxy goalkeeper, Andrew Wolverton, who replaced Brian Rowe in the second half, made a nice save right in front of the net. But Barcelona found the net again early in the second half when Roberto booted one past Wolverton after a defensive breakdown.

Bradford Jamieson IV had a shot from the corner for the Galaxy but couldn’t score and later in the half Raul Mendiola hit Ariel Lassiter on the run at the goal but Lassiter fired it wide right in the 75th minute.

Edson Buddle got off a bullet but it was right at Barca goalkeeper Jose Suarez in the 83rd minute.

Barcelona played the game without stars Lionel Messi and Neymar while the Galaxy was without Omar Gonzalez, Jaime Penedo, Gyasi Zardes and Alan Gordon who are all participating in Gold Cup action.

The Galaxy avoided the shutout when Tommy Meyer headed one in off of a corner past Suarez in the 90th minute. But it was not enough as Barca emerged with the 2-1 victory.

It was a capacity crowd for Galaxy v. Barcelona

It was a capacity crowd for Galaxy v. Barcelona

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