Los Angeles Galaxy a bit rusty after falling 2-1 to Pumas UNAM

Apr 10, 2013; Monterrey, MEXICO; Los Angeles Galaxy players pose for a photo before the match against Monterrey at Estadio Tecnologico. Mandatory Credit: Miguel Sierra/EFE via USA TODAY Sports

In a preseason scrimmage meant to be a preparation for their CONCACAF Champions League match against Tijuana, Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy lost 2-1 to Pumas UNAM in a closed-door scrimmage in Mexico City. Ismael Sosa scored a brace for Pumas, while Kyle Venter scored late in the contest for LA.

“The elevation was a big factor. We looked like we struggled a lot; but then again, they’re a very good team and did well for each other. We tried keeping the ball, but we didn’t play our game,” starting midfielder Baggio Hušidić told LAGalaxy.com’s Adam Serrano. “We’ll see this Mexican style [of play] in about a month so it was a great fitness test for us. It was great to see a new environment and what we’ll be facing the next time we head down here.”

“[The goal] was something that we should have had a long time ago given the height advantage that we have,” Venter added. “It was a shame that we couldn’t have gotten more in the first half, but Marcelo played a great ball to me along the back post that was an easy tap in header.”

Despite that, it was a good experience for the Los Angeles Galaxy players, who got a taste of what to expect when they make another trip south of the border in March. In addition, the Galaxy did some important community service for Casa Herbalife, and also donated to the cause through the LA Galaxy Foundation.

“It gave me two different feelings,” said midfielder Marcelo Sarvas to Serrano. “I’m a father and I always put my son first so to see the situation of these children causes your heart to break a little. But it’s also beautiful because you have a chance to bring a little bit of love to their lives by spending a few moments with them. To see their smile and play with them is an experience that is much more meaningful for us than to them.”

Meanwhile, LA Galaxy II, the Galaxy’s reserve team, will hold an Open Tryout at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on March 1 and 2. Members of the Galaxy Technical Staff will be on hand at the tryouts to observe and evaluate players. At least one player participating in the Open Tryout will be awarded a trial with LA Galaxy II during the team’s preseason camp and has the chance to play in Galaxy II’s inaugural USL PRO campaign.

What: LA Galaxy II Open Tryouts

Who: Aspiring professional soccer players, male, ages 18+

Where: StubHub Center Fields 4 and 5

When: Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2

Fee: $175 per player

Format: Each player is guaranteed two (2) sixty (60) minute full-field matches, one match per day.

Registration includes:

• Two sixty (60) minute matches
• LA Galaxy and LA Galaxy II staff in attendance
• Admission to LA Galaxy II friendly match March 1st at StubHub Center