Another match, another loss for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Despite the red carpet, Hollywood setting and 19 ESPN cameras the Galaxy looked pedestrian in a 1-0 loss to Chelsea in front of a packed house at the Home Depot Center. The star attraction of the night David Beckham did not debut until minute 78, but his succesor as England captain, John Terry had already sealed the match for Chelsea in the 49th minute with a laser strike that beat Joe Cannon. As usual the Galaxy looked weak going forward but outstanding efforts from Cannon and former Liverpool and Everton defender Abel Xavier frustrated Chelsea all night. Nonetheless, the Galaxy effort was decent by any standard, but once again the Galaxy failed to convert chances when the match was on the line.

In the other friendly between MLS and EPL clubs Saturday Night, Everton was fortunate to have escaped Salt Lake City with only a 2-0 loss. I just got done watching this match on Tivo (I had not realized I actually recorded it until I got home from our EPL Talk get together for the Galaxy/Chelsea match), and really believe RSL (currently last in the MLS table) could have easilyscored five or six first half goals if not for some poor finishing. Carey Talley, a classic MLS veteran and recent Galaxy castoff Robbie Findley scored the two goals for RSL. What was most impressive the almost constant assault Real Salt Lake put American International keeper Tim Howard under during the first half. This attack led by Findley, who clearly the Galaxy could use did not look like one that has scored the least goals in MLS this season.

Andy Johnson who I am a big fan of for Everton seemed to be rusty in this match, but Toffee fans should be encouraged by the play of newcomer Phil Jagielka who frustrated the RSL reserves in the 2nd half with some excellent midfield play.