25 Mar ALBION PROS Defeat LA Galaxy II
The Albion Pros defeated LA Galaxy II 2-0 Sunday, March 13th at the Stub Hub Center. It was a busy but successful weekend for the Albion Pros with 2 games in 2 days. Coming off a 3-1 victory over local rival Chula Vista FC on Saturday night, the Albion Pros travelled to play against LA Galaxy II, aka Los Dos, early Sunday morning in a game that kicked off at 10am.
Early in the first half, Galaxy pressured Albion into a few mistakes. The slow start by Albion saw them concede three early corners and forced GK Jean Antoine into two sharp saves. Los Dos then enjoyed a good spell of possession creating a handful of chances, however the Pros defense remained un-breached. Tired legs came into the equation with right sided players D Jose Merlo and MF Felipe Liborio soon substituted before halftime with D Cristian Najera and MF Richard Cervantes taking their place. The fresh legs helped the Pros settle into the game against a Galaxy Team that was clamoring for an opening goal. FW Douglas Andrade came closest to opening the score with a volley that fizzed just over the crossbar following a hopeful through-ball by strike partner Marquis Brooks. The half ended 0-0 with Galaxy edging possession and shots.
The second half saw both teams bring on fresh legs in search of an opener. Los Dos started strong in the half and forced Albion Pros GK Jean Antoine into some smart saves. The Galaxy II forward #51 missed two clear-cut chances just ten minutes into the second half firing directly at the keeper on one and shooting over an empty net the second time. Albion Pros looked to counter quickly after these two misses and eventually earned a corner on the left side on the hour mark. Defensive Midfielder Luis Cardona, who put in a Man of the Match performance, delivered a high cross into D Kuba Waligorsky who headed into the bottom corner from close range making it 1-0. Los Dos pressed continually down the left flank for the equalizer with a dozen crosses and half shots, but the Pros defense remained steadfast and countered in the 80th minute through 6’5” substitute Forward Tre Hayes. The big forward battled for a long ball from McKenzie and muscled his way past the Galaxy defender to fire a shot into the bottom corner giving Albion Pros a decisive 2-0 advantage. The LA Galaxy persisted to find a goal, but could not find a way through. The result saw the Albion Pros hand the Galaxy their first loss of their preseason schedule.
Both teams are now firmly focused on the impending regular season games. To follow the Albion Pros upcoming schedule of games you can find the schedule HERE or follow them on Social Media @AlbionSCPros. To follow the LA Galaxy II’s upcoming schedule of games you can find the schedule HERE or follow them on Social Media @LAGalaxyII.