Los Angeles Galaxy: Ins and Outs, February 3, 2012

Muscle-flexing time against LA Blues

It was back to business for Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy, who whipped the Los Angeles Blues in a 7-2 preseason rout at the Home Depot Center.

Goals from Marcelo Sarvas (PK), Todd Dunivant, Adam Cristman (two), Paolo Cardozo, Jack McBean and Kyle Nakazawa (PK) paced LA.

The Galaxy will next take on the Portland Timbers, on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

Villareal sidelined six weeks, Yuri leaves LA

LA Galaxy Home Grown Jose Villareal will undergo surgery next Monday to repair bilateral lower leg compartment syndrome. Villareal is expected to miss six weeks of action following the surgery.

Meanwhile, it was a sad ending for Yuri Gorentzvaig, who was released from preseason camp on Wednesday. The 21-year-old Sao Paulo native had been limited in training after suffering a heel injury during the first week of camp.

Josh Saunders, Mr. Clutch

It will be up to Josh Saunders to mind the nets with authority in 2012. Bumped up to starter after Donovan Ricketts suffered an injury last season, Saunders is ready to make all the stops as the incumbent No. 1.

“I’m going to approach it the same way I have the last couple of years, coming in just like any other goalkeeper,” Saunders told Larry Morgan of LAGalaxy.com. “You can’t come in thinking you have all this added pressure and you’re going to be the out-and-out starter.

“You have to work like you’re fighting for a job. There may be a label there, but I’m not going to treat it any other way.”