CARSON, Calif. – Jaime Penedo kept the LA Galaxy afloat, but ultimately, the Panamanian goalkeeper was unable to preserve the result for LA in their 1-0 defeat to Real Salt Lake.
Penedo made five saves on the evening including three highlight-reel stops in the first half, but was unable to keep Joao Plata’s 80th minute game-winning goal. After spending much of the preseason correcting his positioning issues heading into his first full season in MLS, the Panamanian admits that there is still plenty of work to be done.
“I think that I work hard in order to be able to be ready for games like these,” said Penedo. “Goals hurt me a lot and the goal that we allowed today is one that I will probably watch over and over again in order to see where I can improve. I think it was a quick play, and like I’ve always said, we’ll be able to correct the mistakes so they won’t happen again.”
Although the loss was frustrating, Penedo believes that the Galaxy made a positive statement in their first match of the season.
“I think the team did well, a team with an ability to score a lot of goals. Today we couldn’t score any but the important thing is that we are creating opportunities on goal,” said Penedo. “I’d be very worried if given the type of players that we have and being a club like the Galaxy we aren’t able to create scoring opportunities. Goals will come. In the back line, we’ll have to continue to be concentrated and focused.”
