Teen-ager Jack McBean scored off a deflected cross from an overlapping Sean Franklin in the 80th minute to lift the Los Angeles Galaxy to a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids in the final MLS preseason game for both teams on Friday night before an estimated 1,200 at UCSB’s Harder Stadium.
McBean, 18, a second-half substitute, was open at the far post after Franklin’s cross was tipped by a charging Colin Clark and a Rapids defender.
Colorado’s Marcos Pirchio came close to tying the score on a free kick from 25 yards during extra time. But Galaxy goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini smothered the ball at the near post to preserve the win.
Tonight’s exhibition against the Galaxy came immediately following a 0-0 draw for the Rapids in a scrimmage against UCSB.
Colorado took a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute when Drew Moor finished a diagonal pass from Kevin Harbottle.
The Galaxy scored the equalizer in the 36th minute. Forwards Mike McGee and Robbie Keane converged on the center back and stripped the ball. Keane’s shot from short range was blocked and Marcelo Sarvas scored on the rebound.
The Galaxy open the regular season on March 3 against the Chicago Fire.
