Action from the International Champions Cup match between the LA Galaxy (white jersey) and visiting Club America on July 11, 2015, in Carson, California. (Photo: Mexsport)
CARSON, California – In a battle of 2015/16 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (SCCL) participants, the USA’s LA Galaxy posted a 2-1 victory over current champion Club America of Mexico in the International Champions Cup on Saturday night before 27,924 fans at StubHub Center.
The match marked the Galaxy debut of former Liverpool and England star Steven Gerrard, who played the entire first half.
Alan Gordon netted the game-winner in the 80th minute, outjumping a pair of defenders at the edge of the six-yard box to head a right-sided cross from Raul Mendiola off the right post and over the line.
Club America took a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute, when Carlos Darwin collected a return pass inside the box off a give-and-go with Michael Arroyo and fired a shot between the legs of goalkeeper Brian Rowe from nine-yards out.
In the 22nd minute, Gerrard nearly equalized for the Galaxy, but after receiving a back-heel pass from Jose Villarreal, his effort was saved by goalkeeper Hugo Gonzalez.
Robbie Keane wouldn’t miss, however, in the 45th minute. The Ireland international expertly brought Juninho’s long ball with his left foot in the left side of the box and calmly rolled the ball inside the right post with his right from 14-yards out.
The Galaxy will next meet Real Salt Lake in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday and the San Jose Earthquakes in MLS play on July 17 prior to facing UEFA Champions League champion Barcelona at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on July 21.
