Action from the closed-door friendly between host Pumas (right) and the LA Galaxy on February 11, 2014, in Mexico City. (Photo: Mexsport)
MEXICO CITY – Ismael Sosa scored two goals and Liga MX side Pumas defeated the LA Galaxy 2-1 in a friendly played behind closed doors on Tuesday at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario.
Kyle Venter, who was acquired less than a month ago in the MLS SuperDraft, got his name on the scoresheet for the CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) quarterfinalist with 13 minutes left in the second half.
The Galaxy entered the encounter in the midst of its preseason camp, while Pumas is currently tied for fourth place in the Mexican Clausura with 10 points after six games.
Though the visitors did well to create to some early chances through United States international Landon Donovan, the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup’s Golden Ball winner, the host went ahead in the 19th minute.
After forcing an LA turnover, Diego Lagos led a counterattack that resulted in Carlos Campos delivering a precise cross for Sosa lash past goalkeeper Jaime Penedo.
UNAM doubled its lead in 70th minute, when Sosa struck again off an assist from Lagos.
Seven minutes later, the Galaxy sliced the deficit in half as Venter headed home a Marcelo Sarvas corner kick.
“I think that it was a good exercise for our team,” said LA head coach Bruce Arena. “Obviously, the altitude was very challenging, but Pumas has a good team and this was a good training exercise.”
The Galaxy used the game as preparation for its CCL quarterfinal series with Club Tijuana. The first leg will be played on March 12 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, before the action shifts to Mexico six days later.
NOTES: Pumas has participated in three editions of the CCL, advancing as far as the semifinals in 2009-10 … the LA Galaxy has advanced to the CCL quarterfinals for a third straight time … the Galaxy returns to action on Saturday in Fresno, California, against fellow CCL quarterfinalist San Jose Earthquakes in the Central California Cup.
