St Louis CITY2 lost 1-0 to LA Galaxy II at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday, July 9. After a scoreless first half, CITY2 conceded a goal to Galaxy II’s Carson Klein in the 71st minute that proved to be the difference.
From the first touch, CITY2 forced the home side to buckle down defensively after having success pushing deep into Galaxy II’s half. After thwarting a CITY2 attacking sequence in the 17th minute, the home team counterattacked quickly and worked into the box, but goalkeeper Michael Creek denied the goal-bound strike.
Creek shut down another Los Angeles push by punching away a centering cross in the 40th minute, preserving the scoreless deadlock heading into halftime. In the opening frame, CITY2 led in duels won (25), tackles won (9), saves (2) and clearances (15).
Just a few minutes out of the break, midfielder Wan Kuzain pickpocketed a Galaxy defender and raced out to a one-versus-one scoring opportunity, but the home team’s goalkeeper stepped up and knocked Kuzain off the ball. Los Angeles rifled a shot on goal from inside the box in the 58th minute, but Creek dropped to a knee and stonewalled the attempt.
Later, on a free kick from a few yards outside the home side’s box, midfielder Max Schneider came inches from giving CITY2 the lead when his shot pinged off the crossbar. CITY2 earned another set piece after midfielder Owen O’Malley was fouled as he dribbled through traffic in Los Angeles’ box, but O’Malley’s ensuing penalty shot was saved.
Galaxy II took the lead in the 71st minute, firing a shot home after getting the ball into the box on a free kick. Shortly afterwards, O’Malley led a fastbreak charge downfield looking to equalize, but a diving save from the Los Angeles goalkeeper kept CITY2 off the board. The away side made a final push to set up a corner kick as stoppage time dwindled, but CITY2 could not draw even off the cross.
UP NEXT
CITY2 is back in action for a road meeting with San Jose Earthquakes II on Sunday, July 23.
STARTING LINEUP
Michael Creek, Fritz Volmar (Larsen Hackworth 46’), Josh Maher, Michael Wentzel ©, Nolan McGuire, Max Schneider, Sergio Rivas (Stanislav Koval 84’), Wan Kuzain, John Klein (Caden Glover 68’), Dida Armstrong (Owen O’Malley 46’), Ryley Gibbs (Faysal Bettache 59’)
SUBSTITUTES NOT USED:
Eric Walker
