Galaxy Outplay City, Lose on PK’s; Sir Alex Says Soccer in US is Growing

After a 1-1 tie and an exciting round of penalties, the Galaxy lost to Manchester City, bringing them to a record of 0-2 in the World Football Challenge. In no way shape or form was this a bad result for the Galaxy who put out a half-hearted line up in front of what most seemingly will be Manchester City’s starting 11. Throughout the first half City controlled the majority of the possession as David Beckham played much of the half along with his back four giving him the chance to spread balls from the back. This gave Spaniard David Silva all the room he could have wished for in the midfield, where City controlled much of the game. It took 20 minutes for City to put away a goal, as Italian forward Mario Balotelli slotted away a penalty after Englishman Micah Richards was fouled in the box.

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images via Zimbio

It was only ten minutes later that the troubled Italian created some controversy, as he could have easily put away a second goal, instead showboating and not scoring. That was all manager Roberto Mancini had to see in order for him to take him out for English midfielder and former Aston Villa player James Milner. Balotelli seemed outraged claiming he thought he was offside; it is hard to believe seeing the track record this young, controversial striker has.

City controlled much of the half, but failed to really make any clear attempts on goal. It was the second part of the game that really impressed me, as well as many Galaxy and City fans alike. The Galaxy came out playing pretty much their second team, but for one reason or another, City could not get anything going against them. There was no fluidity to City’s game, as the Galaxy put a higher pressure on City’s defense and midfield. It was fun to watch a bunch of young guys go up against the richest team in the world and keep up. And just eight minutes into the half, Mike Magee scored what could be the tournament’s best goal as he volleyed a shot from outside about 20 yards that dipped over England No. 1, Joe Hart. A goal much deserved from a Galaxy team putting in 110 percent effort.

Although in the end City came out on top, the Galaxy have a lot to be proud of coming out of this game. Playing three games in a week, playing a majority of reserves, and playing against two of the best teams in the world (Real Madrid); you have to give it up for this Galaxy team.

This tournament has definitely shown that the level of soccer in America has gone up in the past few years. (Lets exclude the Manchester United-Seattle Sounders game 7-0.) It used to be that these big name teams would come over here for preseason and stomp on the weaker, less talented MLS sides, and in some cases that may be, but when watching these games evolve over years, you can see that the level of play in the states has gone up tremendously. Even Sir Alex Ferguson has been quoted as saying, “Now we see the United States in a different light. There is evidence now that they are starting to produce their own players… They have advanced their game because of the coaching and their sports science. Their preparation is first class… That has put them to a different level in terms of my appreciation of them and also my understanding that you are not going to get an easy game.” I believe that the MLS has a long way to go before becoming a great soccer league, but like Sir Alex has said before, there are unbelievable possibilities for soccer in this country.