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Alonso’s goal lifts Real Madrid over LA Galaxy 3-2
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By The Associated Press
August 9, 2010
Pasdena, CA — Xabi Alonso scored in the 72nd minute as Real Madrid rallied to beat the Los Angeles Galaxy 3-2 and complete an undefeated preseason trip through California.
Gonzalo Higuain scored two goals in the space of 10 minutes for Real Madrid in front of 89,134 at the Rose Bowl.
“For this trip, everything was perfect,” Real coach Jose Mourinho said. “We trained well. We trained hard. The players were together for 24 hours in a perfect environment for them to grow up as a group.”
Mourinho said he was most pleased with his players’ resilience, especially in the second halves of both games.
“Obviously, I like this mentality of not wanting to lose, of wanting to overcome, a lot,” Mourinho said. “For me the second half was fantastic in every aspect.”
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said that Mourinho—who guided Inter Milan to the Champions’ League, Italian league and Italian cup titles last season—will make Real a formidable team.
“They’re one of the best club teams in the world,” Arena said. “They’re going to going to challenge in Champions’ League and certainly give Barcelona a run for their money in La Liga.”
Todd Dunivant and Landon Donovan scored for the Galaxy, who are winless in six of seven games.
“All in all, I think our team was able to play with a top-notch team like Real Madrid and see what this level can be like,” Galaxy forward Clint Mathis said. “It was good for our team in a critical portion of our season.”
Dunivant opened the scoring for Los Angeles in the 40th minute. After the Galaxy’s Omar Gonzalez headed Donovan’s corner off the right post, Dunivant poked the deflection of his own blocked shot while lying on his back at the goal line.
Donovan made it 2-0 in the 45th minute when he beat Poland goalkeeper Jerzy Dudekith with a penalty after the Galaxy’s Juninho was kicked in the face by Royston Ricky Drenthe.
Higuain scored off Cristiano Ronaldo’s left-wing cross from nine yards (meters) In the 51st minute and equalized 10 minutes later when he gathered a Fernando Gago pass and lofted a shot between Dunivant and defender Gregg Berhalter that sailed inside the left post.
Higuain, who led Argentina with four goals during the World Cup, finished Real Madrid’s tour with three goals.
“His pace surprised me,” Arena said. “He outran a couple of players who could at least run well. He went right by them. I was impressed with him in the World Cup but after watching him tonight, I’m much more impressed.”
Sergio Canales ‘s no-look, back-heel pass freed Higuain for a shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Josh Saunders. But the long rebound fell to Alonso, who converted a high, 19-yard (meter) diagonal shot inside the left post.
Iker Casillas, the captain of Spain’s World Cup winning team, replaced Dudek for the second half.
The Galaxy’s Clint Mathis, who announced his retirement on Tuesday, made his final professional start and played 27 minutes. Mathis played 11 years in Major League Soccer and 46 games for the United States, including the 2002 World Cup.
Sami Khedira didn’t take the field for Real Madrid. Khedira, purchased by Real from VFB Stuttgart, started all seven games for Germany in the World Cup.
• Soccer, World Cup News Archive Index
2010, 2009
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