Los Angeles Galaxy Choke Against Club Tijuana, Fall in Penalties 4-3

The Los Angeles Galaxy seem to be making a nasty habit of choking in penalty shootouts as well as giving up leads at the worst times possible. If Bruce Arena's side expects to defend their Supporters Shield, let alone contend for the MLS Cup, well...they probably would be wise to keep their expectations low. 

After Frankie Hejduk became Goat No. 1 for a foul that led to Club Tijuana even the score at 2-2, the Galaxy proceeded to lose in penalties 4-3 with Jovan Kirovski becoming Goat No. 2 for his inability to learn from his transgressions at the 2009 MLS Cup. 

Granted, Los Xolos played like a side in midseason form, but on the other side, the Galaxy played discombobulated football for the good part of 90 minutes with Landon Donovan, David Beckham and Juan Pablo Angel lacking the communication and know-how to be contenders. 

Omar Gonzalez equalized for the Galaxy in the 41st minute off of Beckham and Donovan finished off the delivery from Chris Birchall to make it 2-1. 

Joaquin Del Olmo's Club Tijuana took an early 1-0 lead in the 38th minute thanks to Gilberto Mora and equalized on the penalty from Miguel Lopez in the 82nd minute. 

The Galaxy will open up the season on Mar. 15 against the Seattle Sounders in front of a nationally televised audience on ESPN. 

One can only hope that by the time the third round of the 2011 U.S. Open Cup arrives, the G's will have learned their lessons and in the process, avoid a path of penalty shootout recidivism.