|
|
MLS: LA Survive Rapids to Go Top in West
A late surge by Colorado nearly catches up the Galaxy, but David Beckham, Edson Buddle and Co. hold on to win, 3-2.
Jun 8, 2008 1:56:25 AM
Goals are no problem for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Stopping them is. But
yet again the Galaxy scored more than they conceded. On Saturday night
at the Home Depot Center, they beat the Colorado Rapids, 3-2, after
taking a 3-goal lead midway through the second half, then allowing the
‘Pids to make it close at the end.
With the win, the Galaxy take sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.
The Galaxy, playing without leading scorer Landon Donovan (international duty), got on the scoreboard early through Brazilian midfielder Alvaro Pires. David Beckham’s cross from the right flank resulted in a melee in front of Colorado’s goal. Pires, the former Internacional man, was in the right spot to knock in the loose ball in the 4th minute for was his first MLS goal.
In the 32nd minute, LA striker Edson Buddle received a long ball from defender Abel Xavier. Buddle took a touch into the area and lashed a brilliant rocket from the right side into the far netting, leaving Preston Burpo clutching for air. Buddle now has five goals on the season, matching his total for 2007.
Just before halftime, emotions spilled into the red zone. LA’s Alan Gordon and Colorado defender Fecundo Erpen got tangled up after contesting a header. Erpen kicked out wildly at Gordon as he landed. Gordon responded by stomping on Erpen, who was on the ground. Referee Kevin Stodt flashed red cards immediately for both players.
After the break, the Galaxy continued their dominance. Rookie Ely Allen ran onto a through ball from Peter Vagenas in the 50th minute and showed a veteran’s poise to curl the ball around Burpo to give the home side a three-goal lead.
But the insertion of Omar Cummings with a half-hour to go provided Colorado with a spark. Colin Clark got the visitors on the board in the 73rd minute, collecting a pass from Cummings at the top of the LA penalty area. He head-faked his way around Xavier and drilled a low shot past Steve Cronin for his second goal of the season.
Clark was involved in the Rapids’ second when he served a ball into the area. After Cronin saved Herculez Gomez’s first shot, he was unable to do anything about Gomez’s follow up.
The Galaxy then bunkered in to preserve the lead, and Colorado, which entered the match on top in the West, pressed for an equalizer. But the whistle came and the Galaxy retook first place after a few weeks struggling for results.
-- Goal.com
With the win, the Galaxy take sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.
The Galaxy, playing without leading scorer Landon Donovan (international duty), got on the scoreboard early through Brazilian midfielder Alvaro Pires. David Beckham’s cross from the right flank resulted in a melee in front of Colorado’s goal. Pires, the former Internacional man, was in the right spot to knock in the loose ball in the 4th minute for was his first MLS goal.
In the 32nd minute, LA striker Edson Buddle received a long ball from defender Abel Xavier. Buddle took a touch into the area and lashed a brilliant rocket from the right side into the far netting, leaving Preston Burpo clutching for air. Buddle now has five goals on the season, matching his total for 2007.
Just before halftime, emotions spilled into the red zone. LA’s Alan Gordon and Colorado defender Fecundo Erpen got tangled up after contesting a header. Erpen kicked out wildly at Gordon as he landed. Gordon responded by stomping on Erpen, who was on the ground. Referee Kevin Stodt flashed red cards immediately for both players.
After the break, the Galaxy continued their dominance. Rookie Ely Allen ran onto a through ball from Peter Vagenas in the 50th minute and showed a veteran’s poise to curl the ball around Burpo to give the home side a three-goal lead.
But the insertion of Omar Cummings with a half-hour to go provided Colorado with a spark. Colin Clark got the visitors on the board in the 73rd minute, collecting a pass from Cummings at the top of the LA penalty area. He head-faked his way around Xavier and drilled a low shot past Steve Cronin for his second goal of the season.
Clark was involved in the Rapids’ second when he served a ball into the area. After Cronin saved Herculez Gomez’s first shot, he was unable to do anything about Gomez’s follow up.
The Galaxy then bunkered in to preserve the lead, and Colorado, which entered the match on top in the West, pressed for an equalizer. But the whistle came and the Galaxy retook first place after a few weeks struggling for results.
-- Goal.com
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.