Galaxy unable to finish in loss to Rapids
LA can't convert opportunites, drop Open Cup play-in match
The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder didn't make much of missing an opportunity to keep his team alive in a penalty shootout against a shorthanded visiting Colorado Rapids in a U.S. Open Cup play-in game.
"You pick a side, they guess and they save it," Klein said. He was referring to one of two penalty kicks stopped by Rapids goalkeeper Preston Burpo. Mike Magee also missed for the Galaxy.
The Rapids eventually won the shootout 4-2 after a scoreless draw through 120 minutes. With the win, Colorado advances to play the winner of the Seattle Sounders FC-Real Salt Lake matchup in another play-in game April 28.
Colorado beat the Galaxy 1-0 in a U.S. Open Cup play in game last year and was coming off a 3-2 win at The Home Depot Center on April 4. The Galaxy couldn't hold on to a 2-1 lead in that game.
This time, the Galaxy couldn't finish off plays and score. The Galaxy had several opportunities to put the game away and extend their life in the Open Cup.
That's why Klein wasn't so upset at his missed penalty kick. If there was a play he could be discontent about it might be his chance at goal late in extra time when he sent a point-blank shot sailing over the crossbar.
"It's just one of those days where you're not on target," Klein said. "We kept going but we just couldn't get one to fall in."
Klein, who came into the match along with forward Alan Gordon in the 61st minute, wasn't the only one with clear chances against the Rapids, who played 84 minutes with 10 men. Greg Dalby was ejected after given a red card for a hard foul on Galaxy midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi in the 36th minute.
Gordon had a handful of opportunities late in regulation and in overtime. Perhaps the clearest came three minutes into the first overtime. Gordon blasted a right-footed shot from about 16 yards out -- but the shot hit teammate Bryan Jordan in the back, keeping it from reaching the goal and prompting an offside call.
Gordon thought he scored in the 71st minute when in a header into the back of the net. But the goal was ruled out when he was called offside after a Tristan Bowen shot deflected off a defender and floated near the right post.
"He did have some good chances," said Galaxy coach Bruce Arena of Gordon's chances. "Those chances weren't clear chances and not good ones but we certainly had chances."
The match also served as a good opportunity for younger and new Galaxy players to see some action.
Yohance Marshall, Gregg Berhalter and Bowen made their first start for the Galaxy. Berhalter, who was signed by the club April 3 in an attempt to boost the back line, played 74 minutes before being substituted for by Magee.
Landon Donovan and Eddie Lewis didn't dress. Neither did Donovan Ricketts, who is recovering from an injury. Josh Saunders filled in for the third consecutive match.
"We needed (to keep off) a couple of players who needed time to recover," Arena said of his lineup Tuesday. "It's a good way to get players some looks."
The Galaxy now look forward to a Western Conference matchup Saturday against arch-rival Chivas USA in this year's first version of the SuperClasico.
Ivan Orozco is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
