CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy’s 1-0 victory over Real Salt Lake featured a pair of occurrences that was rare throughout the 2013 MLS regular season: the substitution of Marcelo Sarvas and Juninho.
Both midfielders exited the Galaxy’s 1-0 Western Conference Semifinal Series first leg in the final 10 minutes with Sarvas giving way in the 83rd minute and Juninho leaving in the first minute of stoppage time. The exit was a little bit of a surprise due to the Brazilians’ saying power as Sarvas and Juninho finished first and second among minutes played in 2013 and were substituted just a combined 13 times throughout the season.
However as LA look ahead to a vital second leg at Rio Tinto Stadium on Thursday that will either prolong or end their season, an early exit was necessary.
“It was a tough week. I was tired and I think that it was a good situation with [Rafael Garcia] coming on to provide fresh legs. From now, everyone on the field has to be 100 percent,” Sarvas, who admitted to dealing with back issues earlier in the week, told LA Galaxy Insider. “Especially at the end of games because teams throw numbers into the box and try to put balls in the air, so you have to be able to run and be cover.
“I think that it was smart from Bruce to take me out. I’m recovering and we’re doing everything to recover,” said Sarvas. “I think that the key to next game is that the team that recovers and has fresher legs will have the advantage.”
Sarvas’ Brazilian counterpart Juninho was just as optimistic about his status for Thursday.
“I was feeling my abductor [in the first leg], but I think that was because I was tired. It was normal,” said Juninho. “I don’t feel anything anymore though. I just need to rest and then I’ll be ready for the RSL match.”
