Galaxy lose midfielder Miglioranzi to injury for Chicago game

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The Galaxy lost more than just a game at Columbus this past weekend, it also lost starting midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi to injury. Miglioranzi, who generally lines up alongside David Beckham in the center of the Galaxy midfield, suffered a left groin strain that likely will keep him out of Friday night’s match against the Chicago Fire at the Home Depot Center.

The injury occurred in the first half and caused the 32-year-old to be taken out of the game, which the Galaxy lost, 2-0. Miglioranzi has played in 23 of Los Angeles’ 27 games this season, starting 20. He will likely be replaced in the starting lineup Friday by Chris Birchall.

Coach Bruce Arena said his team had not lived up to expectations against the Crew.

‘What disappointed me the most, even though the soccer wasn’t good, was that the competing and the mentality wasn’t what it needed to be,’ he said. ‘We weren’t good tonight, that’s all I can say.’

--Grahame L. Jones