July 22, 2015
CARSON, Calif. - Andrew Wolverton became the first Penn State men's soccer player to play in the International Champions Cup when the LA Galaxy took on the Mexican League Champion Club America Sunday, July 12.
Wolverton entered with the score knotted at 1-1 in the 62nd minute in front of 27,934 fans at the Stubhub Center in Carson, Calif. The Atlanta, Ga. native recorded his first professional career save in the 75th minute of the match on a shot off the right foot of Michael Arroyo from outside the box.
Following the save, the Galaxy struck down the field as the ball found the head of Alan Gordon, who put it in the top right corner of the net to secure the 2-1 victory in the first game of the International Champions Cup.
The contest also marked the debut of English midfielder Steven Gerrard, who joined the club in January.
Wolverton made his second appearance in the International Champions Cup when he entered into the match at the half in place of Brian Rowe. The 6-6 goalkeeper played the entire second half in front of 93,226 fans at the Rose Bowl Stadium. The sold out stadium marked the largest crowd in history for a match featuring an MLS team.
With Barcelona controlling the tempo of the match, Wolverton came up with a big save in the 53rd minute to keep the match at 1-0 in favor of Barcelona. However, the Galaxy conceded a second goal in the 56th minute, allowing Barça to take a 2-0 advantage. The Galaxy's lone goal came during stoppage time when Tommy Meyer beat Gerard Pique to a Mike Bayrynen corner, but the goal would not be enough as Barcelona would take the 2-1 victory.
Wolverton and the rest of the LA Galaxy squad return to action Saturday, July 25 when they travel to Houston, Texas to go up against the Dynamo at BBVA Stadium.