SEATTLE -- LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena speaks to reporters after the Galaxy's 1-0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC.
On the defensive performance...
“I felt we did a real good job. This is a very tough venue to play in. The conditions were difficult for both teams. Passing wasn’t very good on the day. We’re learning; we lost points in maybe three or four games this year in similar games on the road. It’s good to see we’re growing and understanding what we need to do to close out games. We did it a week ago in the Open Cup at Portland and we’re beginning to do that now. It’s three clean sheets in a row – two league games and one Open Cup game – so that’s good. I thought our guys did a good job … the whole back line. Brian Rowe continues to grow in the goal. I think [Jeff] Larentowicz and [Baggio] Husidic did a real good job in front of the back line. On the break at times we were dangerous with the combination of [Robbie] Keane, [Steven] Gerrard, [Giovani] dos Santos and [Gyasi] Zardes. On the day, you know you’re going to come in here and it’s never going to look real good. You just have to get a goal and grind it out, and we did.”
On if the defense is starting to come together:
“Yes, and I think Leonardo can play for us – he’s starting to get back. And Robbie Rodgers will be back in about a month. [Ashley] Cole should be available soon so I think we’ve got a pretty good back line.”
On Dave Romney’s play:
“He had a good, solid game. He played here last year and had a tough one so I think that experience has helped. Over the last six weeks or so, he’s played very well.”
On if the game plan was to attack early:
“I think you always want to come here and not fall behind. Like I said, in the case of the Sounders, I think it’s difficult playing on this field and chasing the game. You don’t have the greatest control or confidence on the ball. To get an early goal is always a big plus for a team psychologically, and certainly never good for the team that’s trailing. We wanted to have a good start and obviously getting the first goal of the game is something we’d like to do, and we were fortunate enough to be able to get it.”
