LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham (23) moves the ball upfield during the match between LA Galaxy and New York Red Bull at the Home Depot Center, May 7, 2011 - Photo Credit ISI Photos

Pro Soccer News: LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls Tie 1-1

It was a great advertisement for attacking soccer as the LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls fought to a 1-1 draw, with goals from Thierry Henry and Landon Donovan, Saturday night at the Home Depot Center.

Both teams came out with an attacking mindset as first of all, David Beckham sent an inch perfect ball to Donovan whose effort was well saved by New York keeper Bouna Coundoul. 

Next it was Henry who stole in behind the LA Galaxy defense, as the hesitated waiting for an offside call that never came, rounding Donovan Ricketts before putting the New Yorkers one up.

Donovan almost pulled one back but his snap shot was well saved by 

Coundoul. Seconds later it was Donovan Ricketts turn to pull of a good save from a long distance as the game opened up with action from end to end.

On the 25 minute mark the LA Galaxy had the ball in the back of the net but Juan Pablo Angel was caught offside.

Both teams threw caution to the wind as they pressed forward. Henry was a threat down the left flank and his service into Dwayne De Rosario almost put the NY Red Bull two up.

LA Galaxy finally got on the board in the 41st minute. David Beckham’s corner was met by Donovan who powered his header past Coundoul to send the teams into half time all even.

No goals in the second half but not because of offensive effort. Both teams continued to go forward in one of the most entertaining MLS games of the young season. Beckham, Donovan and Chad Barrett all came close for LA Galaxy and Dane Richards almost stole the points for the visitors as his powerful drive beat Ricketts but came crashing back off the post.

In one of the best game to watch this season LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena had this to say, “I think both teams can pass the ball and it is hard to pressure each other. We both tried to press each other and the passing was good enough. There were enough plays where the players could be calm on the ball to get through the initial pressure and open the game up. The game opened up because both teams were attacking. It was a good game.”

Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe was also impressed with the entertaining value of the game. “I was surprised myself. We said at halftime that this was an unbelievably open game. I think if you look at both teams balance in midfield, it is probably eight attacking midfielder players on the pitch and then you have at least two fullbacks attacking all the time. So, the balance is probably the answer to why it is that entertaining and that open. For the Red Bulls, we try to play the same way away as we do at home. Of course, LA is an attacking team and that is why it ended up being a very open and entertaining game. I think the balance in midfield is the answer,” commented Backe.

“Tonight, for the neutrals it must have been a good game. They saw some great football. The LA Galaxy played very well in the first half. We should have been ahead at half time, without Tim Ream they could have been 2-1 up. Saying that we had some chances of our own in the first half. I think it was pretty even. In the second half I think we kind of played better we hit the post another went wide. Overall I think it was a fair result 1-1 but at the end of the day for the neutral it was a good game,” added New York goalscorer Henry.

The LA Galaxy are back in action on Wednesday, May 11 when they travel east to take on the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park. 

Scoring Summary:

NY – Thierry Henry 4 (Dane Richards 3) 4’
LA – Landon Donovan 4 (David Beckham 5) 41’

Misconduct Summary: 
NY – Luke Rodgers (Yellow Card) 57’

Lineups:

LA Galaxy: Donovan Ricketts; Sean Franklin, Omar Gonzalez, A.J. DeLaGarza, Todd Dunivant; Juninho, David Beckham, Mike Magee (Chris Birchall 78’), Landon Donovan©; Juan Pablo Angel, Chad Barrett (Miguel Lopez 80’). 

Subs Not Used: Josh Saunders, Frankie Hejduk, Michael Stephens, Jovan Kirovski, Adam Cristman.

New York Red Bulls: Bouna Coundoul; Jan Gunnar Solli, Rafael Marquez, Tim Ream, Roy Miller; Mehdi Ballouchy, Dane Richards, Dwayne De Rosario, Joel Lindpere; Thierry Henry ©, Luke Rodgers (Juan Agudelo 72’).

Subs Not Used: Greg Sutton, Stephen Keel, Carlos Mendes, Carl Robinson, John Rooney.

Referee: Edvin Jurisevic
Assistant Referees: Colin Arblaster and Mike Kampmmeinert
4th Official: Sorin Stoica

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