CARSON, Calif. – An early goal lifted the LA Galaxy II to its second consecutive victory as it defeated Tulsa Roughnecks FC 1-0 at StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium on Saturday night. The Galaxy II took the lead in just the sixth minute as Miguel Aguilar’s initial shot after a corner kick was sent deep to the right side of the penalty area was cleared off the line, but Aguilar capitalized on the rebound to put the hosts ahead. Tulsa’s Joaquin Rivas almost leveled seven minutes later as his finish from a low cross went just wide of the right post, and the visitors were unfortunate again on the half-hour mark as Josh Morton’s flicked header went off the right post and then deflected behind off Francisco Ugarte as the defender was unable to control the rebound alone in the six-yard area. The Roughnecks continued to press in the second half, and Los Dos goalkeeper Wade Hamilton made good saves to keep out Ivan Mirkovic and Paris Gee just past the hour-mark after a defensive error, and the visitors gained a man-advantage with 12 minutes to go when Galaxy II midfielder Julian Buescher was sent off for a second yellow card. Los Dos almost added to their lead two minutes later on a counterattack as Ulysses Llanez was denied by Tulsa goalkeeper Fabian Cerda, but any hopes the Roughnecks had of finding an equalizer were hit hard as Ugarte was sent off for his second yellow card in the final minute.

Scoring:
6’ – LA – Miguel Aguilar

• #LAvTUL: Highlights and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. The Galaxy II didn’t get the attacking fireworks it has experienced in recent outings at StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium, but after Miguel Aguilar’s early goal the hosts did enough to hold onto another important victory as the club took its second consecutive win and third in its last five outings. Los Dos have been among the leakiest defenses in the league this season, but a solid display by goalkeeper Wade Hamilton that helped cover for some defensive mistakes was just enough to see the hosts through.

• 2. The Roughnecks were once again left to wonder what they had to do to see their luck turn as numerous chances to level the score or even take the lead went begging on another frustrating night for the winless club. Tulsa outshot its hosts 14-8 for the game, including 6-4 in shots on target, but was unable to find a breakthrough as its struggles continued despite the efforts of the likes of Joaquin Rivas and Paris Gee.

• 3. Los Dos still have a way to go but are now within sight of the Western Conference playoff places thanks to their recent run of form. With a local derby up next against Orange County SC next Sunday on home turf, the Galaxy II will get an important test against a side which has established solid postseason credentials already as it looks to continue its pursuit of a postseason berth.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Wade Hamilton, LA Galaxy II – Hamilton recorded a six-save shutout to preserve the Galaxy II’s victory as the side continued to ascend in the Western Conference. 

Upcoming Games:

LA Galaxy II vs. Orange County SC – June 10, 8:30 p.m. ET, StubHub Center

Tulsa Roughnecks FC vs. Saint Louis FC – June 9, 8:30 p.m. ET, ONEOK Field