The LA Galaxy's 2-1, come-from-behind, preseason win over the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday was marred by a concerning looking injury to 17-year-old Mexico youth international and Galaxy midfielder Efrain Alvarez.
Alvarez entered the match at halftime but was stretchered off 10 minutes later after an incidental collision with the Rapids's Jonathan Lewis. A team spokesperson confirmed the midfielder had suffered a left ankle injury in the match at Dignity Health Sports Park's track and field stadium.
After going behind through Diego Rubio's 15th-minute header off a corner kick, the Galaxy replied with a pair of set-piece goals of their own. Nick DePuy leveled moments before halftime on another corner, and Giancarlo Gonzalez nodded in the winner on a second-half free kick.
Both teams will close their preseasons on Saturday at the Galaxy's home athletic complex, with the Rapids facing Toronto FC before the Galaxy face Chicago Fire FC.
Goals
Lineups
LA Galaxy (4-4-2): David Bingham (Vom Steeg 60') - Julian Araujo, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Nick DePuy, Emil Cuello - Joe Corona (Efrain Alvarez 46', Kai Koreniuk 55'), Sebastian Lletget (Sacha Kljestan 46'), Perry Kitchen (Carlos Harvey 60'), Aleksandar Katai - Cristian Pavon (Mohammed Kamara 60'), Javier Hernandez (Ethan Zubak 60')
Colorado Rapids (4-3-3): Andre Rawls - Jeremy Kelly, Danny Wilson (Drew Moor 71), Auston Trusty (Lalas Abubakar 71'), Deklan Wynne - Kellyn Acosta (Jack Price 60'), Cole Bassett, Younes Namli (Kei Kamara 46') - Andre Shinyashiki (Sam Nicholson 46'), Diego Rubio (Keegan Rosenberry 71'), Jonathan Lewis
Abbie Mood contributed to this report.
