CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy goalkeeper Bill Gaudette insisted two days later his appearance in Saturday’s 1-1 tie with FC Dallas at The Home Depot Center was no big deal.
He’s played in a number of games professionally, he said, and was not afraid of the challenge he was given over the weekend when starter Josh Saunders was unavailable because of personal matters that also could keep him out of Wednesday’s match in Seattle against the Sounders at Century Link Field (7:00 p.m., KDOC, KWHY, lagalaxy.com/gamedaylive).
RECAP: Late Noonan goal gives LA 1-1 draw vs Dallas
“Just another game,” the 30-year-old said after training on Monday.
Gaudette, Galaxy react to draw vs Dallas
“Nothing different from years past.
“You’re just excited to help the boys out. The guys in front of me did a great job. The boys are fighting and I’m doing what I can to help them. I’m happy to be part of it.”
Gaudette, originally taken in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft by the Columbus Crew, signed with the Galaxy in late February to serve as Saunders' backup. But it was late on Friday night when Gaudette was told by Arena he would start against Dallas and he finished with four saves. Except for being booked for a penalty-area challenge against FC Dallas’ Blas Perez that resulted in Brek Shea’s 61st-minute penalty kick, he was flawless.
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Not to mention quite loud in front of the net.
“Bill’s a little more vocal; he likes to talk,” central defender A.J. DeLaGarza said. “Nothing you could do on that play that caused the PK, but he made some big saves, looked composed and was a veteran in the back.”
DeLaGarza also said there wasn’t much difference seeing Gaudette, rather than Saunders, behind him.
Highlights: LA vs Dallas
“They both look alike. Little bald-headed guys,” he said with a laugh.
“They’re both good keepers; we have three very good keepers (Saunders, Gaudette and Brian Perk). Anyone who steps in is going to do a very good job for us.”
Arena said he had no qualms about starting Gaudette, having seen him first-hand in July of 2010 when Gaudette led the USL First Division’s Puerto Rico Islanders to an upset of the Galaxy in the CONCACAF Champions League preliminary round that included a stunning 4-1 victory at The Home Depot Center.
“He’s a very good shotblocker,” Arena said of Gaudette. “He’s experienced and showed a lot of composure in the game.
“We’re not surprised at the way he played.”
Gaudette said he was somewhat pleased with his performance, although he would have preferred the Galaxy had gotten three points instead of one on Saturday.
But it’s time to move ahead and prepare for Seattle.
“That game’s in the past and the next one’s Wednesday,” he said. “We move forward. These quick weeks you have to move on. I want to go up to Seattle in a tough environment and get the result we’re looking for.”
PHOTO GALLERY: BILL GAUDETTE
