Morning Aggregate: Galaxy Out of CCL, Soccer Story Time

The LA Galaxy traveled to Mexico for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals needing two goals to advance to the final against Santos Laguna.  Mike Magee was on the bench with a sore right leg, but Landon Donovan would get his first start since his return.  The Galaxy held early possession and managed three consecutive corners before the half hour mark.  Monterrey would begin their build up and take the possession in the last 15 minutes of the first half.  A few good chances would go by the wayside and it would go to half 0-0.  Omar Gonzalez was playing another stellar match as Rayados continued to press in the early moments of the second half.  Bruce Arena had to go for the win and put Magee on for Todd Dunivant in the 60th minute.  Robbie Keane was having trouble linking with his teammates in the final third and his frustration was showing.

As the second half wound down, Monterrey stamped out any run and the Galaxy couldn’t find that last pass.  It was a scattered attack that did not amount to much.  Rayados would sink in and let Juninho or whomever run at them but cut out every threatening pass.  Jack McBeam and Jose Villarreal were used as substitutes, but to no avail.  Aldo De Nigris would score in the 81st to put a cap on the night for Monterrey.  The CONCACAF Champions League final will be a rematch of last year between the two Mexican sides, Santos Laguna and Monterrey.

Mar 30, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; LA Galaxy defender Sean Franklin (5) looks to pass the ball against Toronto FC at BMO Field. LA and Toronto tied 2-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The U.S. men’s under-17 team is in Panama vying for the CONCACAF Championship .  They will face Guatemala today at 6:30 pm ET and will need a win or draw to claim Group C.  They have already advanced to the quarterfinals match on April 14th.  This video from U.S. Soccer gives us a look at some of the team’s personalities.

Copper Pot Pictures is putting together a documentary of the journey of Bob Bradley and Egypt as they try to return to the World Cup.

Now it is story time on the Morning Aggregate.  Megan Rapinoe quickly became a fan favorite in U.S. Soccer and her legacy continues to grow.  This New York Times article says that ‘Pino has always been different.  Rapinoe is enjoying her time in France and the immersion in another culture.  She also like the style of play and the money isn’t bad either.  An excellent read about a life many of us will never experience, but may strangely understand.

Grant Wahl tells of one man’s story to fulfill a lifelong dream after working for seven years with Real Madrid at their off-season training in Los Angeles.  His ambition led him to Madrid with hope and he was embraced by one of the largest teams in the world and even some of their competitors.