Goal of the Year: Jose Villarreal vs. Real Madrid

Villarreal Goal of the Year

WHO: Jose Villarreal


WHEN: Thursday, August 1


WHERE: vs. Real Madrid (Guinness International Champions Cup) – University of Phoenix Stadium


WHAT: Summer friendlies against some of Europe’s biggest clubs have become a common occurrence for the LA Galaxy. This year was no different with the club representing MLS in the Guinness International Champions Cup. LA opened the competition in Phoenix, Arizona, taking on a Real Madrid side that they had met in Southern California in each of the previous three years. And while the 2013 meeting would finish the same way as each of its predecessors, with a Madrid win, the highlight of the night was undoubtedly Jose Villarreal’s second half strike.


Villarreal, who has shown a penchant in his brief Galaxy career for sensational goals, collected a headed clearance 25 yards from goal and cut past one Madrid defender and then another at the edge of the penalty area before firing a powerful, left-footed shot just inside the far post and past the dive of Diego Lopez, giving LA their only goal of the contest.


The result may not have mattered in the long run, but the strike will provide the 20-year-old with a story that he can proudly tell for the rest of his life.


To see the rest of the candidates for LA Galaxy Goal of the Year, go to LAGalaxy.com/GOTY.

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