Robbie Keane scored a goal in the 21st minute to lead the Galaxy to a 2-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes. Mike Magee provided an insurance goal in the 90th minute to secure the victory.
Robbie Keane scored a goal when David Beckham took a quick restart at midfield and played a ball over the top. Keane was lurking just along the Earthquake backline, he feigned the keeper who came out to stop a chip attempt and let the ball roll past him and then slotted home the ball to give the Galaxy the lead.
Mike Magee came in as a substitute for Robbie Keane in the 72nd minute. He was able to double the lead after a Miguel Lopez shot was blocked, Lopez headed the ball to Donovan who sent it wide to Sean Franklin. Franklin then played a ball across the ground right to the edge of the six-yard box where Magee was able to beat the Earthquake keeper to the ball and knock it in the back of the net. Magee’s goal is his second in two games and is his second huge contribution to a Galaxy result against the Earthquakes after he played goalie for 47 minutes and won MLS Player and Save of the week in the team’s first matchup this season.
Robbie Keane started the game two days after he signed with the team and after only one practice. He provided a very high work rate at the top of the Galaxy formation. He worked hard to help out defensively and combined well early in the game. The Galaxy played a fantastic first 25 minutes of the game. The team had some great combinations, they were unable to put any shots on goal save for the goal, but they put themselves in great positions and not for a couple of close offside calls the team would have had a couple goal lead.
Adam Cristman and Robbie Keane worked well together. They both had great energy at the top of the field, they were not able to connect on all the passes, but that sort of connection is something that builds up over time. Cristman almost scored immediately after hitting the ball off the post in the 2nd minute. Cristman has been playing well since returning from injury and might be able to hold onto the forward spot opposite Keane even once Chad Barrett returns from injury.
San Jose dominated possession from the 35th minute until Steven Beitashour was sent off in the 81st minute. Beitashour was sent off for stomping on Landon Donovan after Donovan tackled the ball away from Beitashour. The Galaxy only had two shots on goal the entire game, but converted those into two goals. San Jose meanwhile held more possession and had five shots on goal.
Josh Saunders was excellent in goal, earning another shutout in place of Donovan Ricketts. Ricketts is looking at returning within the next two weeks, but Saunders may be staking a claim to the starting position. He had a couple of outstretched saves, one off a San Jose volley. The team was careless towards the end of the first half. Sean Franklin got taken off the ball by Khari Stephenson followed by Donovan giving the ball away in the midfield. However, Saunders was able to keep San Jose off of the score sheet.
Frankie Hejduk started the game and played the full 90 minutes. This was Hejduk’s first start since the Galaxy’s game against the Chicago Fire on April 17th. Hejduk has been out with an ankle injury, but his return allowed A.J. De la Garza to get some rest while pushing Sean Franklin into the midfield.
Next: 7 PM vs. LD Alajuelense (CONCACAF Champions League)
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