Tommy Meyer scored in stoppage time, but it was not enough to overcome Luis Suarez's first half strike or Sergi Roberto's second half golazo and FC Barcelona defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 in the International Champions Cup on Tuesday at the Rose Bowl.
Fans poured in to the Pasadena stadium - 93,226 of them - the most ever to watch an MLS team play in the United States.
"It's a privilege to be able to play in front of that many fans," 18-year-old LA Galaxy phemon Bradford Jamieson IV said. "I had a people text me that I haven't seen in five years telling me they saw me on TV against the best team in the world. That's heartwarming."
A closeup look at #Barcelona's treble. Champions League trophy is in the middle. #FCBarcelona #fcb pic.twitter.com/ew0LLdMI27 — Perfect Pass (@PerfectPass) July 21, 2015
Suarez found the back of the net just before the halftime whistle blew. Rafinha sent a cross into the back of the box that Marc Bartra brought in on a touch and sent to Suarez who appeared to have touched the ball with his hand before blasting it with his left foot into the back of the net.
Two former Liverpool team-mates, Luis Suárez and Gerrard, meet at the Rose Bowl (via @LAGalaxy) pic.twitter.com/FJeTJSJVZc — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 22, 2015
The Galaxy were thoroughly outplayed and outclassed in the first half of the match despite the 1-0 score. Barcelona controlled possession for 77 percent of the first half, with an astonishing 90 percent passing accuracy. They attempted eight first half shots, holding LA to zero.
Both teams made significant substitutions to start the second half. LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena replaced his entire starting XI, inserting Robbie Rogers, Ariel Lassiter, and 18-year-old Bradford Jamieson IV for stars Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and A.J. De La Garza.
"A win or a loss in these games is insignificant," LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. "It's an exhibition. It's good for both teams. It's good for the fans. Mission accomplished."
Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique made seven substitutions for the second half, bringing on new captain, Andrés Iniesta, Gerard Piqué and 19-year-old pheom, Alen Halilovic for Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets.
"We've only practiced for seven days, and had a lot of traveling, but overall the players looked good and I'm satisfied with out performance," Enrique said. "Overall I'm happy with our intensity and how we played."
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Sergi Roberto hammered a deflection by the Galaxy defense into the back of the net from just inside the box in the 56th minute to give Barca an insurance goal and the 2-0 lead.
The LA Galaxy featured most of their "Los Dos" (LA Galaxy II) squad in the second half and youngsters, Jamieson and Lassiter impressed against the depth and experience of the best club team in the world.
"I switched jerseys with Alen Halilovic," Jamieson said after the game. "I played against him. He's a successful young kid and someone I strive to be like."
Lassiter attempted the first shot on goal in the 83rd minute. A scorcher from the center of the box that was saved by Barca keeper Jose Suarez.
Tommy Meyer scored in the 90th minute off a set piece. Mika Vayrynen sent in the cross to the center of the box and Meyer sent in a fantastic header for the Galaxy's only goal, denying the reigning UEFA Champions League holders a clean sheet.
"It was awesome," Meyer said of his goal. "I hoped that I would go in and get to do that. Luckily, the chance was there."
The record crowd was largely composed of Barcelona supporters, and heckled players of the LA Galaxy throughout the game. Despite the absence of Lionel Messi and Neymar who stayed home to vacation ahead of the start of the La Liga season next month, fans were loud, energetic and rowdy throughout the match.
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Barcelona vs LA Galaxy at the Rose Bowl. #fcblive #Galaxy #fcbarcelona #fcb #timelapse pic.twitter.com/n6tqWC7NHx — Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) July 22, 2015
