Donovan puts away the winning penalty shot (AP Photo/Lori Shepler)
The Los Angeles Galaxy continued their dream season with a 1-0 win over Chivas USA on Sunday. Landon Donovan scored the winning penalty kick in the 73rd minute to secure passage into the next round against the Houston Dynamo. It was a record-tying goal for Landon (16 goals in the playoffs all time), and gave the Galaxy the 3-2 aggregate win after two legs.
With bad calls, rough fouls, and a disgruntled coach who was ready to fight after the whistle blew, this latest rendition of the SuperClasico did not disappoint. Both teams came out flying, with chances coming at both ends. The mistakes which plagued the first leg were still apparent this time around, but neither team could come up with the precise finish needed to change the game. Donovan Ricketts and Zach Thornton were outstanding in goal, and neither showed any complacency in this heated derby match.
David Beckham battles for the ball (AP Photo/Lori Shepler)
Both teams could have taken the lead at multiple points in the match, but it seemed that only destiny would put the leagues most prolific player against one of the best keepers the league has ever seen. The stats showed that Landon has gone to the keepers left in all of his previous penalty tries this season… this time he went to the right and beat the flailing Thornton. The sold out crowd erupted and Landon finally cracked a smile as he knew that this was the important one.
“My thought, actually, was to go to that side" Donovan explained after the game, "but I saw him step the other way and then start leaning."
Holding the opposition to just three shots in the second half, Los Angeles did a great job of containing the Chivas strike force as the game went on. Justin Braun almost came up big in the 32nd with a curling 24-yard shot which stretched the keeper. It was the best chance they had in the game, but it was not good enough to put them ahead.
Omar Gonzalez heads the ball (AP Photo/Lori Shepler)
Although David Beckham went off with a back injury after the 78th, he played brilliantly, proving that his desire to push the G’s into the finals is there. Most notably, his slicing cross in the 70th minute led to the play which resulted in Magee getting taken down in the box. Reports are that Beckham will be good for the next round on Friday, as he will be missing the England friendly with Brazil on Saturday.
The final whistle blew, but the game was not over for Chivas coach Preki, as he insisted on running onto the field to confront Galaxy midfielder Dema Kovalenko. Preki was furious and members from both teams had to be restrained. He later told the media "We had plenty of opportunities to be on top. There were a lot of moments where we had two against the goalkeeper or two against one and don't even take a shot.” Frustrated he continued that "The Galaxy made one play and won the game." Unfortunately for him, this is the fourth year in a row that they have been bounced from the playoffs in the first round, and it might cost him his job this time around.
With the win, Los Angeles goes into the Western Conference Final for the first time in four years. They took 4 points out of a possible 6 this year against the Dynamo, and will be hosting the match because of their regular season record. It should be a thrilling game, as Landon Donovan will be pitted against his national team cohort Brian Ching. Ching scored the winner against Seattle this weekend to get the Dynamo to this point, and he will be the key if they plan on making a run for the title this year.
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