CARSON, Calif. –The LA Galaxy needed an early goal in their decisive tie against C.S. Herediano and in the 18th minute, Omar Gonzalez obliged.
Gonzalez nodded home one of his trademark goals off a set piece by finishing a Juninho corner to put LA ahead and they never looked back. LA notched a 4-1 aggregate victory to become just the fourth MLS team to advance to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League.
Below Gonzalez reflects on his play and his goal.
(On the play of the defense…)
GONZALEZ: “The defense has been playing very well. Everyone has a real good feeling for each other. Carlo been talking a lot with us, the organization is really good between us. To have one goal throughout the first three games is great, although we really wanted the shutout tonight. I think that was a soft goal we gave up, poor marking in the middle. Should have gotten closer to the cross.”
(On Carlo Cudicini's influence…)
GONZALEZ: “I think he’s just added the experience and also vocally. He’s always chirping. He’s always telling us what to do and reminding to get in the right position to put out fires before they even start. With that it makes the game a lot easier.”
(On his goal against Herediano, a classic Omar goal…)
GONZALEZ: “I guess if I score a few more it can be a classic. Just one of those where Juninho puts it high enough for me, the guy marking me was maybe to my shoulders, so I should get one of those.”
(On partnering with Leonardo in middle…)
GONZALEZ: “He’s been incredible for us. I remember before he got hurt and we were having about five or six games together where we didn’t lose. I think he’s back, he’s playing great, fits in well with the rest of the back line and I’m just happy he’s healthy and we’re playing well together.”
(On how confident the team is…)
GONZALEZ: “I think we’re flying pretty high. Overall, we’ve been playing pretty well since our season started and we’re just going to take it game by game, not think too far into the future. Everyone’s really happy tonight, getting to this round is great for our team and the organization, everyone’s just really thrilled.”
