Eskandarian's goal gives Galaxy win vs. Revolution
Associated Press
07/05/09 11:30 AM EDT
CARSON, CALIF. — Recently acquired Alecko Eskandarian scored in the eighth minute to give the Los Angeles Galaxy a 1-0 victory over the New England Revolution on Saturday night.
The Galaxy (4-3-9) won consecutive games for the first time this season.
The Revolution (4-5-4), playing their first MLS match since June 13, were playing their fifth game in 14 days after reaching the SuperLiga semifinals and losing in the U.S. Open Cup.
Eskandarian, who made his debut with the Galaxy after being acquired from Chivas USA on Wednesday, volleyed Todd Dunivant's diagonal pass from the left flank inside the left post from 11 yards.
Josh Saunders made four saves for his first MLS shutout this season. He replaced Donovan Ricketts, who's starting for Jamaica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Saunders made his biggest saves in the second half against the Revolution's Michael Videira. In the 72nd minute, Saunders dived to his right to block Videira's 15-yard header with his right hand. Then in the 87th minute, Saunders leaped to deflect Videira's 23-yard shot from the right flank.
Galaxy forward Landon Donovan did not dress for the game. He arrived Tuesday from South Africa, where the United States played the FIFA Confederations Cup, and became ill Friday, a team spokesman said.
The Revolution played without Shalrie Joseph and Jay Heaps, who had played every minute in MLS play. Joseph has damaged knee cartilage and Heaps joined the United States for the Gold Cup.
Also missing for the Revolution was Steve Ralston, who's sidelined with a strained right hamstring.
Lithuanian forward Edgaras Jankauskas made his MLS debut for the Revolution in the 61st minute by replacing Kheli Dube. Jankauskas, 34, was Lithuania's soccer player of the year five times.
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Story from: STATS LLC, http://www.stats.com.
