CONCACAF Champions League – Match Recaps – 23 August 2012
The Los Angeles Galaxy cruised past Isidro Metapan and Municipal won at Chorillo FC in the CONCACAF Champions League on August 23, 2012.
Los Angeles Galaxy 5-2 Isidro Metapan
The Galaxy won their opening Group Stage match in the CONCACAF Champions League despite a red card and being without Landon Donovan. It was a bit of a strange first half with some strange and fluky goals. The two teams traded goals in the first 20 minutes but it was a 22nd minute Robbie Keane goal that gave the Galaxy a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The Galaxy added another goal just before halftime to lead 3-1.
There was some controversy with Robbie Keane getting a red card in the 70th minute. Keane was given a yellow card for diving and the sent off for his reaction to the referee. It wasn’t clear what he said or the specific reasoning for the red card.
Metapan took advantage of the red card with a 87th minute goal but were exposed defensively. Juninho scored two goals in the final eight minutes to seal the victory. It’s a solid win for the Galaxy who were not at full strength and the favorites to win Group 5.
| 17′ | 0 – 1 | Nicolás Muñoz | |
| 20′ | José Alvarado Alberto (og) | 1 – 1 | |
| 22′ | Robbie Keane | 2 – 1 | |
| 45′ | David Beckham | 3 – 1 | |
| 70′ | Robbie Keane (red card) | ||
| 82′ | Vitor Junior | 4 – 1 | |
| 87′ | 4 – 2 | Nicolás Muñoz (pen) | |
| 90′ | Vitor Junior | 5 – 2 |
Chorillo FC 1-2 Municipal
Municipal scored a late second half goal to win at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez. It was a much needed win for the visitors who are looking to keep pace with Group 7 leaders Monterrey (both with 3 points, Municipal behind on goal difference). It was a match with plenty of chances for both sides but neither could capitalize in the first 45 minutes.
Chorillo appeared to take a first half lead but it was disallowed due to offsides. Replays show that it was a very close call and Municipal were fortunate to not be down at halftime.
In the second half, Marathon did convert a chance when Luis Rodriguez headed in a corner kick but Chorillo scored an equalizer only five minutes later. Both teams would have chances in the final 16 or so minutes but it was Municipal were able to score. Yosimar Arias scored with four minutes left to give the visitors three points.
| 69′ | 0 – 1 | Luis Rodriguez | |
| 74′ | Johnny Enrique Ruiz Castillo | 1 – 1 | |
| 86′ | 1 – 2 | Yosimar Arias Céspedes |
