LA Galaxy vs. Club America: Score, Grades and Reaction from 2015 ICC

The Los Angeles Galaxy's International Champions Cup slate kicked off in suitable fashion in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Club America at StubHub Center in Carson, California.

A 80th-minute winner by Alan Gordon thrilled the home fans and gave L.A. the edge in what was a competitive, electric atmosphere for a friendly match.

Fox Soccer provided footage of Gordon's tremendous header, which found the far corner of the net:

Part of the reason for the excitement surrounding Saturday's fixture was the arrival of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. The 35-year-old star and longtime Reds captain was making his debut for the Galaxy and spoke about his transition from Anfield to L.A. prior to the match, per the Los Angeles Daily News' Nick Green:

"

The football team being located in Los Angeles is a big thing because you've got the best of both worlds. You've got a successful team that's ready to win and, away from it, you can have a nice lifestyle and the family can settle here and have fun as well. A different life experience was key.

"

Gerrard fared rather well during the opening half. The veteran generated multiple scoring chances, the best of which came in the 22nd minute, when he weaved through multiple defenders, only to be denied on a brilliant save by Hugo Gonzalez.

It was near redemption for the slight lapse Gerrard had in not quite managing to stay in front of Eagles winger Darwin Quintero, who put his side in the lead with a goal in the seventh minute on a nice setup from Michael Arroyo.

It wasn't the best of starts for the home team, and Club America held the advantage on possession at 56 percent for the match.

Just before halftime, though, the Galaxy staged a gigantic response. Robbie Keane gathered in a long pass and somehow sneaked it by Gonzalez for the clutch equalizer. The club's official Twitter account was smitten with the reigning MLS MVP's finish:

U.S. defender Tim Ream reacted to the play, which was made possible by an epic assist from Los Angeles midfielder Juninho:

CBS Philly's Kevin Kinkead believed Keane's tally cemented his status as MLS' premier player:

The Galaxy defense held up rather well, allowing only three of the Eagles' 12 shots to go on goal. Following the break, both sides fought hard but couldn't find the back of the net until Gordon finally broke through on a shot that was simply unstoppable and made L.A. a deserving winner.

Next up for the victors will be a far sterner test—they take on reigning Champions League and Primera Liga trophy-bearers Barcelona at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on July 21. Barca have as star-studded a roster as there is in the world, headlined by Lionel Messi and Neymar.

If Los Angeles can be competitive in that matchup, it will be a source of pride and momentum on what is essentially a glorified exhibition tour. Barcelona is the standard by which any club can be judged.

Although the Galaxy will have their work cut out, American fans will be exposed to the very best world football has to offer.

Selected Player Ratings

Steven Gerrard: B

It was not a bad half from Gerrard by any means. Save for the clever touches Club America used to beat him and the Galaxy back line on Quintero's goal, he had a nice outing—and even came forward to nearly tie the score at one apiece.

Darwin Quintero: A

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

The forward filled in nicely on Club America's front line, which was without striker Oribe Peralta because of his international obligations. Quintero produced and did well to keep the Eagles in the match, but his teammates at the other end of the pitch couldn't quite keep the Galaxy out.

Alan Gordon: A

The man who salvaged the match for Los Angeles can't be given anything less than the best in terms of a grade. It was a world-class finish to seal the victory, and Gordon showed the type of will and determination that might otherwise be absent in most other friendlies.

Note: Match stats courtesy of ESPN FC.