The Philippine Online Chronicles

“We lost, we won, either way we had some fun.”

Players and fans alike left the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium last night with big smiles despite the 6-1 result of the friendly match between the LA Galaxy and the Philippine Azkals.

Our national team lost to the visiting LA Galaxy squad but the Azkals had showed quality in the first half that made quite an impression even on LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena. “It was good match. The Philippines' players played good in the first half. It was a close match until the third goal,” Arena said during the post-match press conference.

Arena said it was strikers Phil Younghusband, Angel Guirado and Chieffy Caligdong that threatened his team's play during the first half. In the early minutes of the match, the Philippine side showed solid defending and attacking. Back defense was strong with Rob Gier and Anton Del Rosario's team-up. But several shots at goal by Angel Guirado and Manny Ott that went straight to LA Galaxy goal keeper Josh Saunders left the Philippine side scoreless.

Azkals goal keeper Ed Sacapano also did a few fine saves until English midfielder David Beckham scored the opening goal in the 20^th minute from a pass from Irish striker Robbie Keane. Beckham, one of the most celebrated football player, said he was happy with the goal. “

The LA Galaxy took the lead a notch higher in the 38th minute after Mike Magee flicked his right foot to hit the ball and landed it on the back of the net. After a couple of minutes, Rizal Stadium broke into a loud roar as Phil Younghusband scored in the 41^st minute past goal keeper Josh Saunders . “We had good chances to equalize the game,” said Azkals Coach Michael Weiss but he also admitted that the players' physical conditioning took a toll on the match.

“We played a very good first half. But the game ended unfortunately with a heavy score against us. This is the price we have to pay for very quick preparations,” Weiss added. The German coach field some of the Azkals more experienced players for the first XI – Caligdong, Del Rosario, the Younghusband brothers, Gier, Ott, Guirado, Chris Greatwich, Ray Jonsson, Jason Sabio and Sacapano. First choice goal keeper Neil Etheridge missed the match because of previous commitments to his club Fulham FC.

In the second half, more goals from the LA Galaxy kept coming. Beckham's corner kick was headed by Todd Dunivant, to which Keane easily translated to a goal in the 47^th minute. Forward Adam Cristman scored twice – first a header in the 62^nd minute assisted by Donovan, followed by another goal in the 87^th minute. The sixth and final goal for the Galaxy was by Gregg Berhalter, who scored on a penalty kick in the 81st minute.

Weiss brought in fresh legs in the second half, but this did not translate to goals but allowed more Azkals to play against the MLS champions. “Everyone was happy to play against Beckham. But we have to be aggressive, stay concentrated on the game and alert.” Most Azkals players had their chance on the pitch – Ian Araneta, Nate Burkey, Misagh Bahadoran, Carlie De Murga, OJ Clarino and Lexton Moy were brought in during the second half. LA Galaxy also fielded other players in their tour roster.

Beckham played longer than expected and got off the pitch only in the 75th minute. After the substitution, the Englishman waved to the crowd, removed his jersey and handed it to boxing champion Manny Pacquiao who was watching in grandstand.

After the final whistle was blown, the 10,000-strong crowd at the Rizal Football Stadium cheered as players from both teams exchanged jerseys and went around the track for the victory lap.

Great season and tour

The LA Galaxy just finished a successful campaign in this year's Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup where they grabbed their third championship last November 20.

LA Galaxy team captain and top U.S. striker Donovan thanked Filipino football fans and players for the warm hospitality.

After Manila, the LA Galaxy will proceed to Australia for the Hyundai Melbourne Challenge.

When asked about what advice can he give to the Azkals, Beckham replied, “I don't think I need to tell them anything because it was difficult game for us tonight. They don't need me giving them advice because I can see they have the talent.”

Photos by Pom Villanueva. Used with permission. Some rights reserved.