CARSON, Calif. -- LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena spoke to reporters following the Galaxy's scoreless draw with Santos Laguna in their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal first leg.
On the team's performance:
For our first time out I thought we played well. It is not easy it's the first time our team played 90 minutes together this year, so I was pleased with that obviously. I think defensively we did a good job. Both teams had a couple of chances; we could've gotten a goal early in the game, the keeper made a great save. I thought, for the most part, it was solid for the first time out.
On the Galaxy's defense:
I thought [Dan Kennedy] played well. Our center backs had a real good game. Ashley Cole was very good. Robbie Rogers combined with [Giovani] dos Santos towards the end of the game to possibly create a goal for us. That was good I thought the midfield play was solid.
On the second leg of the series:
It could be worse. I think we are going to go there Tuesday and try to win the game. Obviously, if we get a draw or if we get a goal, it would put us through. We will see. We will try to go there and get a win. ... We got to go to Torreon on Tuesday and win the game.
On if he was nervous or edgy during the game:
I didn't think I was nervous or edgy tonight. I wasn't running on the field and fighting with players on the other team, so out of the two coaches today, you'd describe me as the edgy one?
On the team's physical play:
I think Nigel [De Jong] gives a good presence in the midfield defensively. [Jelle] van Damme is obviously a physical player. Dan Kennedy has shown why we wanted him here. He is coming out of a preseason in good form and hopefully he can keep pushing forward. We have the makings of a good team. We certainly have to get better in every area, but it is early.
