CARSON, Calif. -- Bruce Arena addressed reporters after the LA Galaxy's 2-1 victory over Club America
On the play of the Galaxy tonight:
"It was a really good effort. I thought our entire group played well tonight. I thought it took us 15 to 20 minutes to get into the game, Club America came out and really pushed the pace of the game and had us on our heels, and it took us a good 15 or 20 minutes to get going. The first half was great, we created a lot of chances, we had 3 or 4 good chances, they certainly had some, but it was a really good first half. Keane's goal was a good goal, it was nice to go in even at half, I think that was pretty deserving. In the second half our young players played with a lot of confidence, played hard, certainly wasn't perfect, but they got the job done. I think the way they closed the game out and preserved the three points was excellent. I like to say this like I always do in these exhibitions, they are exhibitions. Don't read a whole lot into it, more than you need to, it is similar when you see national teams play friendlies, everyone goes crazy about the results. Club America is getting a team ready for the season, we are getting our team ready for two games next week and that is the reason why we used two teams. I think for the fans here it was a good game, but let's not go anywhere more than you have too, we beat Juventus two years ago and I still think they were a better team than us. We got spanked by Manchester United last year and they are probably not as good as they were on that night, but these are again, exhibitions and they serve a purpose for all the teams involved."
On the play of Steven Gerrard:
"I think Steven played well, we are going to see how he feels tomorrow and Monday before we make a decision moving forward for Open Cup. His passing was very good, his partnership with Juninho was good, he won some tackles, helped create some chances, he could have had a goal, the keeper made a great save on him. For his first time out it was very encouraging, he looked like he belonged, his leadership was really good, I thought he was solid. He (Steven) is probably about a month away from being fit enough to play a full match, it will take some games. It doesn't come from training, he will have to play some matches and we will try to slowly build him into that, but what I could see tonight it was a good 45 minutes from him. Again I think that after 15 or 20 minutes, we got into the game and did a much better job in the first half, and I thought the group in the second half did well."
On the Club America fans:
"We were at home, it was fine. I suspected that is how the crowd would look tonight, but it was good, that is good for our team. We haven't done real well away this year so it was nice to get a result, but it was good. We expected that, we love the fact that Club America has not only great support from their fans, but obviously the Mexican-Americans in Los Angeles came out to support them as well, so it was a great night."
On getting Todd Dunivant back tonight:
"It was an important night for all of that because as you know we have a very heavy schedule from here on in and we are going to need a full squad so we are starting to get players back, that is certainly going to help if we can get Todd and Edson (Buddle) back and contributing down the stretch here. This was the first time Wolverton has played in a professional game so we have to move him along the right way, but I think he did very well tonight. Again, the young players need games and he is a player that we will try to get some games at Galaxy II as well."
On Jose Villarreal's status:
"They banged knees. Jose told me after the game that he's OK. We'll know a little bit more tomorrow, but apparently, it's not an issue."
