Galaxy Beat Blues Again at Home Depot Center

In a match that featured fringe players, Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy were engaged in a dogfight with Charlie Naimo's Los Angeles Blues of the USL on Tuesday.

Despite an improved performance from the Blues, the Galaxy still prevailed 3-2 at the Home Depot Center.

Adam Cristman opened the scoring in the 26th minute thanks to a delivery from Chad Barrett, who also scored a goal of his own in the 48th minute of play. Hector Jimenez's 67th-minute goal would prove to be the game winner, as the Galaxy were forced to withstand a brace from Carlos Borja in the 70th and 86th minutes of play.

Back on the pitch for the Galaxy was Leonardo, the young Brazilian defender whose injury last year sidelined him for several months. Leonardo came on in the 40th minute of play.

“Psychologically it’s great for him,” LA Galaxy Reserve Team Head Coach Curt Onalfo told reporters. “It’s been a long road and he’s really making progress. It was good to see him for 10 minutes.”

“It was 10 very important minutes,” Leonardo said. “I need more games, more training sessions in order to return (to first team action).”

An ACL injury in a match against the Chicago Fire sidelined Leonardo last season. It has been a long road to recovery, but it is certain that the Brazilian is moving back in the right direction.

Leonardo told MLSSoccer.com's Luis Bueno:

It’s difficult. This month, it’s been one year since I got hurt. I have a lot of desire to get back but I have to be smart about it. I have to respect my teammates as well. There are a lot of players in that position too so I have to respect them...I felt good but I need more games, more rhythm. 11-on-11 is different than playing in small [sided] games I’ve been doing. I need more time and more reserve games.

Franklin Closes In on Career Milestone

Defender Sean Franklin is expected to make his 100th appearance for the Los Angeles Galaxy when they take on FC Dallas at the Home Depot Center on Apr. 28. (Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. PT on KDOC and KWHY.)

Franklin was selected in 2008 by the Galaxy in the MLS SuperDraft and made an immediate impact, being named Rookie of the Year.

Despite being sidelined for periods of time, Franklin has settled into his position at right back and has been a reliable, if slightly inconsistent, force in the LA back line.

Franklin told LAGalaxy.com's Larry Morgan:

I’m just thankful I’ve been able to play 100 games. I’m just glad I’ve had 100 with the LA Galaxy and I hope to have 100 more...It’s crazy. When people ask me how long I’ve played, I tell them it’s already been five years. It’s gone by so quick. I can remember my first game like it was yesterday. It’s been a fun time, and I’m looking forward to the next few years.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here