CCL Roundup: Giovani dos Santos debuts with a goal in LA Galaxy rout
LA Galaxy 5 -- Central FC 1
Giovani dos Santos marked his Galaxy debut with a goal as the MLS Cup holders eventually overcame the T&T Pro League side at StubHub Center.
It took a while for the gap to emerge during a peculiar first half, though. Alan Gordon staked the Galaxy to the expected lead after just four minutes. The advantage disappeared moments later after the referee pointed to the spot after Brian Rowe appeared to win the ball on the edge of the penalty area. Ataullah Guerra slotted inside the right post to draw the visitors level. Raul Mendiola restored the Galaxy lead after 32 minutes, but he departed before halftime after suffering a heavy challenge from Central FC goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams.
Williams staggeringly escaped rebuke for clattering through Mendiola, but Central FC eventually conceded a penalty early in the second half. Gyasi Zardes assumed the duties from the spot with Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane rested and tucked away his effort to extend the lead to 3-1 after 55 minutes.
Dos Santos replaced Gordon moments later to make his first appearance as a Galaxy player. He highlighted his debut with a composed finish after 76 minutes to secure his first goal for the MLS club. Ignacio Maganto added a fifth in the late stages as the Galaxy climbed atop Group D ahead of a visit from Guatemalan side Comunicaciones on Aug. 18.
C.S. Herediano 3 -- Isidro Metapan 0
Herediano laid down a marker in Group B with a comprehensive victory over Metapan at Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero. The home side relied on a rampant start to secure the points. Jonathan Hansen poked home at the near post to stake Herediano to the lead after just three minutes. Randall Azofeifa doubled the advantage shortly thereafter when he collected a ball through the line and slotted home. Kenny Cunningham clipped home the third after halftime to guarantee the points and set up a crucial visit to Copa Libertadores finalists Tigres UANL on Aug. 18.
