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Galaxy Lose Last Minute Thriller To Dallas

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The US Open Cup tipped off its semi-final round Tuesday as the New England Revolution advanced on to the final with their 3-1 victory over Chicago at Gillette Stadium. FC Dallas and the Los Angeles Galaxy squared off Wednesday to see who would be matched up with the Revs in this prestigious tournament’s final.

It was clear before the game even kicked-off that these two managers were taking very different approaches to this semifinal round. FC Dallas would be going with their A Squad, the starting lineup you would typically see out of the current Western Conference and Supporters Shield leaders. Bruce Arena and the Galaxy on the other hand, let’s call it the B- squad? Sure, let’s go with that.

If you’re taking a glass half full kind of approach to this contest we can at least say some of the younger Galaxy players will get a good look.

In particular Emmanuel Boateng and Raul Mendiola shined through as this one went on.

The speed of Boateng was deadly as he was able to use it to free up some big runs forward for the Galaxy attack. Now if someone could teach him how to stay under control so he doesn’t look like Luis Mendoza from Mighty Ducks that would be fantastic.  

Boateng’s control is a big problem once he really hits those top gears but once he learns how to maintain control at that top speed, he will be truly dangerous. Nonetheless he played a very good game for a struggling Los Angeles attack.

Mendiola also was impressive in this one as he was able to maintain possession for the Galaxy when asked and stayed poised and under control despite heavy pressure from the Dallas defense.

Despite Dallas bringing out the best of the best this solid Galaxy “B- unit” held their own. Some great chances for both teams throughout regulation and both goalkeepers were able to come up big. Brian Rowe and Chris Seitz each had highlight saves to keep their squads level at zero through 90 minutes.

But before regulation ended Bruce Arena figured he might as well bring in some reinforcements.

The two substitutes that changed the shape of the last US Open Cup game against Seattle came on to do the same again.

Extra time began and on stepped Sebastian Lletget to bring in even more firepower for Los Angeles. Things then predictably took a Galaxy turn for the better. The attack seemed to liven up and openings that hadn’t been through the first 90 now were appearing.

Finally in the 101st minute Giovani Dos Santos was pulled down in the box by goalkeeper Chris Seitz and Los Angeles was awarded a penalty. Captain for the team on the night, Mike Magee stepped in to take the critical shot and slotted it home to the right of the Dallas keeper.

Dallas wasn’t going to let this one go without a fight though, as things seemed to be all over with momentum all on the Galaxy’s side Dallas got in on the action.

And once again, this was all there was and with that late goal we would go on to penalty ki….wait, wait. There’s one minute of stoppage time, and Dallas used every second to punch their ticket to the US Open Cup Final.

Yes, that really happened. I wouldn’t dare be that mean to you Galaxy fans. Just like that Los Angeles was eliminated from the tournament.

FC Dallas will move on to take on New England in the USOC finals.

As for the Galaxy, Los Angeles will play the Colorado Rapids Saturday at StubHub Center in Carson at 7:30 PM PST.

Stay with us at Calisportsnews.com as we will keep you up-to-date on all things LA Galaxy and the rest of the LA sports teams! All Cali, all the time!


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