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Los Angeles handles Kansas City 1-0
Posted: Thursday October 14, 1999 07:59 PM
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Defender Ezra Hendrickson's goal led Los Angeles to a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Wizards, as the Galaxy clinched first place in Major League Soccer's Western Conference. Hendrickson scored in the 25th minute after getting a pass from Ron Myers, who was on the right flank and dribbled around three defenders. Hendrickson slammed his shot by goalkeeper Tony Meola from 10 yards out, sending the ball just under the crossbar. Kansas City (8-24) dominated the second half, when it took 11 of its 16 shots. Preki, Alexi Lalas and Chris Henderson had the best chances to score for the Wizards, but Kevin Hartman got his 11th shutout of the season for Los Angeles (20-12).
After the game Lalas, one of the best-known stars in American soccer, announced his retirement. "I have decided to leave the game and I am looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life off the field," said the 29-year-old Lalas, who had four goals and an assist this season. "I was shocked," said Meola, traded with Lalas to Kansas City by the Metro Stars in January. "His timing wasn't the greatest. He is a big loss to the team." Los Angeles coach Sigi Schmid said Lalas "has always set his own standards. "There is something said about a person when they know exactly what they want and they do it. When someone knows it's time, they know."
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