Los Angeles Galaxy II: The Wave Of The Future

Sep 7, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Charlie Rugg (27) moves the ball defended by Colorado Rapids defenseman Chris Klute (15) during the second half at StubHub Center. The Colorado Rapids defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Curt Onalfo’s Los Angeles Galaxy II are the Wave of the Future after opening up their inaugural season with a 3-1 victory over the Orange County Blues on Saturday at the StubHub Center’s Track Stadium. Charlie Rugg (40′), Kenney Walker (45′) and former Wilmington Hammerhead Daniel Steres (54′) scored for the Galaxy II.

“The atmosphere was excellent,” said Onalfo after the team’s first win to the press. “The LA Galaxy organization did an excellent job putting resources into this and making this first class.

“We’ve had a clear emphasis on how we want to build out of the back and a lot of that stuff came out. We weren’t as sharp as I wanted us to be in front of the goal with that being said we still scored three goals but I feel like with a little bit more precision and more concentration we could have had two or three more.”

“It was a good chance in the box and it just came out to me,” said Rugg of his goal. “I tried to take my time and keep focused on my technique and it worked out.”

“For the inaugural game, it was a special night,” Onalfo told LAGalaxy.com’s Adam Serrano. “The players are buzzing. I thought we played really good soccer. We could have scored a lot more goals than three but we did what it took to win the game convincingly, so I’m pleased.”

“It’s pretty cool actually. It’s like being a part of history,” Rugg added. “The first Galaxy II win in the first Galaxy II game, it’s exciting. To have scored the first goal in Galaxy II history is pretty cool. We had a bunch of chances [against Orange County]. With all of the chances we had, we got three goals and I think that’s pretty telling of what we can do as a team.”

“It was huge for us as a program and the fans,” said Walker. “It’s good that we had the performance and showed people that this wasn’t for nothing and we’re ready to move on and win the league. It’s a good start, but we’ve got a long way to go. This is just the beginning.”

Weather: Clear   Attendance: 1259

Summary:

LAGII: Charlie Rugg (Raul Mendiola) 40′
OC: Stephen Okai 42′
LAGII: Kenney Walker 45′
LAGII: Daniel Steres (Kenney Walker (54′)

Cautions
LAGII: Alejandro Covarrubias 8′
LAGII: Rafael Garcia, 34′
OC: Ryan O’Leary 34′
LAGII: Logan Emory 52′
OC: Jiovanni Santana 54′
OC: Stephen Okai 58′

Referees: Bernhard Hosu, Eduardo Jeff, Jr., Estif Ochoa, Marcelo Ciancaglini

Meanwhile, the Galaxy Academy defeated Chivas USA over the weekend. The Under-14s shut out Chivas USA 4-0, the Under-18s prevailed 4-3 and the Under-16s cruised to a 3-1 victory.

“We have a fantastic collection of young professionals training with our U-14 team. We’ve put a lot of resources and belief into that group and since [former Galaxy U-14 head coach Greg Vanney] left to take the Academy Director position with Toronto FC, and we decided as a staff to lead the team internally which was simply the best way to continue as opposed to forcing a fit at the moment,” said Galaxy Academy Director Pete Vagenas to Serrano. “The group has responded well and they obviously had a fantastic weekend, but more importantly, we have a lot of hopes going forward for those players next year in terms of graduating through program which is what it is all about.

“The U-18 Galaxy team is arguably the most talented team in the country. However, we’re not here to build super teams, but we’re here to provide an environment where individuals can grow and hopefully realize their dreams. That being said, we do play matches on the weekend and it’s an important part of it. They have tremendous things to look forward to in terms of a run in the playoffs and participating in Dallas Cup so in terms of the response and the training habits we couldn’t be more pleased.

“We are one of the few clubs in the country that have the ability to focus internally on our product and our process knowing that if we do so within our full intentions that we can achieve our goals. The proof is in the pudding because our structure, our club, and our philosophy breed an academy. We have a standard that we set that only we can achieve and we truly believe that.