Galaxy Lose to Hong Kong Union on PKs

Some post-game thoughts on the Galaxy vs. Hong Kong Union match.

I’m liking the rookies. Ely Allen and Sean Franklin especially impressed me in this match. Allen has a way of getting into the right place at the right time, as well as being creative on the ball. Although he needs works on his finishing, Allen has been seeing a lot of Beckham’s crosses and has been getting some good touches on the ball. And Franklin is showing a lot of promise as well. He is quick, which the Galaxy need on the back line. And he does well to get into the offense to create chances. Both of these guys are looking good in the pre-season. We’ll see how they progress into the regular season.

Cronin is looking more confident in goal. I am reminded of the first season Kevin Hartman was the starting keeper for the Galaxy — some scary moments when the ball was played to his feet, but overall a strong presence in front of the net.

I have to admit, I am not a big Alan Gordon fan. He seems slow. He doesn’t play as big as his size would indicate. But he does have good creativity off the ball — the result of which was the Galaxy’s first goal in the 62nd minute. We’ll see how Ruud uses him during the season, but I still see him as a possible 75th minute injection of offense. If anyone here is seeing what I don’t, please explain it to me!

Beckham was his usual self. He’s such a pleasure to watch. I can’t wait until he and Landon Donovan start to play and gel together. You’ll hear more about my love affair with Donovan’s style of play when I return to guest blog at the end of the month. You’ve been warned!

So the game ended with a Hong Kong Union win on penalty kicks. I was not thrilled with our PK shooting. Oh boy. Beck’s was good. Vanney’s went high over the crossbar. The others were struck pretty much down the middle, but without a great deal of pace. Do you think Ruud’s going to have some PK practice down the road? I hope so, because after the PK performances of this Asian tour it’s obvious they need work.

And what did you think of the starting formation of 4-3-3? It looked a little more like a 4-5-1, with Alvaro and Vagenas playing defensive midfield and Ruiz up top. With the talent we have on offense, I like the flat back defense with two defensive midfielders. It could work with Donovan in the midfield and Beckham on the right. We’ll see what Ruud decides to do once Donovan is back in the lineup.

Laurie returns tomorrow until she leaves for the France v. England game in a few weeks (b*&#$!). Thank you all for being so welcoming. I’ll see you in the comments.

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Category: 2008 preseason, Preparing for 2008