Former Bearcat Gardner Scores First MLS Goal

July 11, 2006

, - Former University of Cincinnati soccer standout Josh Gardner scored the first goal of his Major League Soccer career on Saturday, July 8, leading the Los Angeles Galaxy to a 2-0 victory against .

Gardner, who was the first UC player drafted by the MLS, has started nine of 13 matches for the Galaxy this season, playing alongside superstar Landon Donovan and former U.S. National team member Cobi Jones.  He is tied for third on the team with four points (1 G, 2 A) and has helped to three straight wins.

"He's a pacey player who was probably lacking a little bit of confidence when I first came in," Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop said of following the match.  "Games help players. He's played very well in the games. He played well tonight. To cap it off with a goal is very good for Josh."

Gardner, a native of , earned All-Conference USA first team honors and second team All-Region in 2003 after leading the Bearcats to the NCAA Tournament for only the second time in school history.  He was drafted by the Galaxy with the 13th overall pick in the 2004 SuperDraft.