MLS Playoffs Player Ratings: Chivas USA 2-2 LA Galaxy

A string of defensive errors led to four goals in the SuperClasico. Shane Evans rates the players on show.

Los Angeles Galaxy

Donovan Ricketts (GK) 7.5: Looked solid and determined between the sticks for the Galaxy. Made some big saves and the second goal wasn’t his fault.

Gregg Berhalter (D) 6.5: Ordinary in the back, wasn’t the main reason for Chivas’ goals, but the defense played by the Galaxy was quite disorganized the whole match.

Todd Dunivant (D) 6: Got up the pitch well and put some balls into the area, but his defense was lazy and could have done more to shut down the Chivas attack.

Omar Gonzalez (D) 5: His terrible back pass led to Galindo’s game-tying goal and was out of place on numerous occasions during the match.

Sean Franklin (D) 6: Franklin wasn’t at his best in this one as Chivas exploited the Galaxy back line more than they should have. Was caught ball watching a few times also.

David Beckham (M) 6.5: As always, put in his share of good balls, but wasn’t that influential for most of the match. Could have tracked back more as well.

Chris Birchall (M) 6: Did little in the middle of the park, but showed determination and willingness to get his hands dirty.

Dema Kovalenko (M) 6.5: Could have done more to help Donovan and Beckham bring things forward, but tackled well and pushed around the Chivas midfield.


Landon Donovan (F) 7.5: Scored the ultimate poachers goal to give the Galaxy the lead late in the first half, was influential up and down the pitch in making things happen for his team.

Mike Magee (F) 7: Another scrappy goal, Magee looked up to it in this one before being subbed early in the second half.

Edson Buddle (F) 6.5: Moved around the pitch well and held up the ball when needed. Did little more and was taken off in favor of Alan Gordon.

Subs

Eddie Lewis (M) 7: Came on for Magee and added some width to the Galaxy side and tossed in a couple nice balls for his team in the half an hour he was on the pitch.

Alan Gordon (F) 6: Had a few golden chances to make something happen up top for Los Angeles, but was wasteful when it came to the finish.

Chris Klein (M) N/A

Chivas USA

Zach Thornton (GK) 7: Didn’t have a great deal to do in net, but was solid when the ball came to him. Both Galaxy goals were out of his control.

Carey Talley (D) 7: Was dogged as a fullback in this one, made some quality tackles and marked well for the whole match.

Jonathan Bornstein (D) 6.5: Made some good decisions and looked solid overall. Could have done better with the first Galaxy goal.

Ante Jazic (D) 6: Dealt well with Beckham and Donovan coming forward but made a few mistakes that allowed the Galaxy to spring forward.

Yamith Cuesta (D) 6: Was messy with his tackles and gave away the ball a few times. His mistakes led to Galaxy chances and one of the goals.

Marcelo Saragosa (M) 6.5: Had some menacing runs and played well with the rest of the Chivas midfield.

Paulo Nagamura (M) 7.5: One of the most dangerous players on the pitch for either side, Nagamura had multiple shots that tested Ricketts. Unlucky not to score.

Sacha Kljestan (M) 7: Did well controlling the middle of the pitch and had plenty of time on the ball. Was able to spread things around nicely with his vision and passing.

Michael Lahoud (M) 5.5:
Was ineffective for most of the first half and was promptly subbed for the speedy Maykal Galindo at halftime.

Justin Braun (F) 6.5: Forced the Galaxy defense to make some mistakes but didn’t take many chances. Worked well when he spread things out wide.

Maicon Santos (F) 7: Got Chivas off to a screamer scoring in the fourth minute but wasn’t able to do much after that and was eventually subbed.

Subs

Maykel Galindo (F) 7.5: Was an instant factor when he came on at halftime, scoring the game-tying goal. Probably the best player for Chivas, despite only playing 45 minutes.

Jesus Padilla (F) N/A

Jorge Flores (D) N/A

Shane Evans, Goal.com

Want more from Goal.com delivered right to your door? Check out "Goal.com Magazine." Subscribe now!
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
Comments
5 Comments
 
Advertisement
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. RIGG: Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is certainly no Mr. February RIGG: Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is certainly no Mr. February

    The Swedish striker traditionally struggles in February. Facing a three-match ban this month, the jinx looks set to continue.

  2. DEMPSEY'S DIARY: Playing in the World Cup was the ultimate dream DEMPSEY'S DIARY: Playing in the World Cup was the ultimate dream

    In his latest diary entry for Goal.com, the U.S. international and Fulham midfielder talks about playing in his first World Cup despite a back injury and what it meant to score.

  3. ROGERS: Capello resigns as coach, but the villain is FA chairman Bernstein ROGERS: Capello resigns as coach, but the villain is FA chairman Bernstein

    Capello and John Terry are far from blameless in the England saga, but the real culprit is the FA chairman.

  4. LABIDOU: Is MLS falling behind? The league's new younger direction LABIDOU: Is MLS falling behind? The league's new younger direction

    With high-profile players like Nicolas Anelka and Luca Toni rejecting MLS for other developing leagues, is the league falling behind its competition?

  5. POLL: Should Copa America 'Vanishing Spray' be introduced globally? POLL: Should Copa America 'Vanishing Spray' be introduced globally?

    The spray, which has been designed to stop defensive walls from encroaching closer than 10 yards to the ball at free kicks, is set to be discussed at next month's IFAB meeting.

 
Advertisement
Advertisement