LA Galaxy Make it 2 in a Row with 3-2 Win

In a game that would dictate how the future of the LA Galaxy’s season would transverse, the visiting Galaxy put themselves in a precarious position. Never mind that they were facing the Western Conference leaders in Real Salt Lake, the Galaxy decided that they would give their salty opponents merely a two goal lead. But, the defending champions had an ace up their sleeve in this game and the name of this ace was Landon Donovan, who had a pair of goals as the Galaxy defeated Real Salt Lake and now have won the last two games.

Real Salt Lake was clearly the aggressors in the early part of the match. They were out there to prove themselves, their fans, and the LA Galaxy that they meant business. It didn’t take long for the home team to take the lead. In the 9th minute of the match, Kyle Beckermann was able to put the ball pass the line and into the back of the net when he found a ground cross from Fabian Espindola and smashed it in. Beckermann netted his fourth goal of the season and things seemed to be free flowing for Real Salt Lake.

In the 24th minute, another pass from Fabian Espindola was nicked by RSL forward Alvaro Saborio and somehow, someway the ball found itself in the back of the net. Josh Saunders did everything he could to recover from the small nick from Saborio put was just unable to get a hand on it. Real Salt Lake seemed to be in control of the match with a 2-0 lead. But I’ve been told many a times that that score is the most deceiving score in soccer and so it was in this case.

Five minutes after taking the two goal lead, Real Salt Lake became careless with the ball in their own third. Defenseman Tony Beltran tried to pass it back to his keeper but didn’t put enough mustard on the hot dog. Landon Donovan, who was alert and ready, intercepted the ball juked the goalkeeper and slapped it with his left foot for the Galaxy’s first goal of the night. This can be considered the turning point of the match that seemed to be controlled by Real Salt Lake at the time. Donovan was scoring for just the third time of the season.

Halftime didn’t seemed to have helped Real Salt Lake regain their composure. In the 50th minute, another miscue by the defense led to a turnover. This time it was Mike Magee, who was returning from a game suspension, who was able to capitalize when he bounced a shot off the post and into the net. Momentum had clearly shifted and now the LA Galaxy where on their way to turning the tables on Real Salt Lake.

In the 68th minute, Landon Donovan received a perfect ball right on his feet just outside the box, got around the goalkeeper Nick Rimando, who had come out to try and clear the ball, and gently put it past the line. Mike Magee delivered the perfect pass, right by the defender but not far enough ahead that Rimando could reach it. Landon just had to control the ball, which he did, and the rest was history. Galaxy on top 3-2.

In a game where Real Salt Lake dominated the time of possession 60% to 40% and in a game the saw the Galaxy attempt no corner kicks thus neutralizing the threat of David Beckham, the LA Galaxy found a way to muster a victory. Although they are still in 7th place in the standings, these 3 points are much needed for the Galaxy. Next for the Galaxy is the Vancouver Whitecaps who sit in third position in the West 9 points ahead of the Galaxy. There are plenty of games left for the Galaxy to secure a spot in the playoffs but a nice little winning streak at this time would do wonders for their position and confidence.