MONTERREY, Mexico – Landon Donovan made his first start and 90 minute performance of 2013 in the LA Galaxy’s 1-0 defeat to C.F. Monterrey that saw LA’s CONCACAF Champions League dreams dashed 3-1 on aggregate.
Fitness seemed to be little issue for Donovan, who was once again making the type of darting runs and confident passes that have been a staple of his career. However, goals were hard to come for Donovan and his Galaxy teammates as Monterrey’s organized defense repeatedly stifled LA’s attack. Following, Donovan admitted that his fitness wasn’t much of an issue for him on Wednesday, but rather it was Monterrey’s quality that proved too much for LA. .
“I felt good. It was a good game; they’re a very good team. We let ourselves down in the first leg, we tried, but this is a very tough place to come and play,” Donovan told reporters. “In my opinion, that’s the best team in this region and they played well and got a goal and made it difficult for us.”
Donovan offered Monterrey a glowing endorsement, but was also noted the disparity between the two sides.
When asked by a member of the Mexican media if scheduling was the reason for MLS clubs record against Liga MX in CONCACAF Champions League, Donovan stressed that is the income disparity more than anything.
“We make about eight to nine million dollars [as a team], they make 25 to 30, so it’s difficult,” said Donovan. “Football is like that. When Manchester United plays Wigan, it’s different and it will always be like that until we start spending money and buying players like Aldo [De Nigris], like Humberto [Suazo] and players like that. We came to win, but this night, we didn’t.”
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