STEFAN ISHIZAKI ENJOYS STRONGEST PERFORMANCE IN A GALAXY SHIRT
Stefan Ishizaki is proving just why the Galaxy brought him to Los Angeles in the offseason.
Starting in central midfield at the attacking point of the Galaxy’s diamond midfield, Ishizaki caused havoc throughout his 78 minutes on the pitch as he repeatedly tested the Whitecaps defense with well-timed runs while also using his passing to create chances for his teammates. The Swede’s timing and class was on full display in the 47th minute as he created LA’s winning goal.
Off a long ball from Juninho, Ishizaki controlled the ball with an out-stretched right foot before launching a curling cross for Robbie Keane who stuck out his own left peg to fire a shot past Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted.
SAN PENEDO COMES UP BIG AGAINST VANCOUVER
Goalkeeper Jaime Penedo showed no signs of rust despite missing LA’s last two games with four saves in the 1-0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The shutout was the Galaxy’s second of the season.
After an early Galaxy flourish, Penedo was instrumental in helping keep Vancouver off the board in the first half with three saves including an impressive stop off a Kekuta Manneh effort in the 45th minute. Not only did the Panamanian make some timely saves, but he also commanded his penalty area, frequently coming off his line to scoop up dangerous crosses. Penedo left the best for last when he denied a Kenny Miller header with a quick reaction save late in the second half.
With Penedo’s confident showing against the ‘Caps, it is officially time to end any whispers that he may be unseated as the number one man for LA between the pipes
A.J. DELAGARZA FILLS IN WELL AT LEFT BACK
A.J. DeLaGarza has not played much at left back in his pro career, but it hardly showed tonight as the defender performed ably along the left side of defense in LA’s 1-0 win against Vancouver.
Filling in for the injured Todd Dunivant and James Riley, DeLaGarza gave a confident performance as he was able to shut down talented Vancouver right-sided midfielder Russell Teibert. The stat sheet backed up DeLaGarza’s impressive showing as he managed three clearances while also blocking two Vancouver crosses.
With Dunivant’s status still unknown at this time, look for DeLaGarza to be the primary option along the left until the veteran returns, starting with the Galaxy’s road match with the Whitecaps next week at BC Place.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
