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| Omar Gonzalez celebrates his goal with his teammates. |
The second half saw a repeat of the amazing American/Irishman duo. Another recurring image was the solid Dan Kennedy. Donovan could have had a one-touch shot and finish, but took too long with the ball after getting it from Sean Franklin. Juan Pablo Angel had one of his best attempts for Chivas on the 58th minute when he picked up James Riley's cross in the box. His shot ended up being wide of the near post, and ESPN reminded us that in order for Chivas to score, they need to "continue to feed the beast". Dan Kennedy, in an impressive leap, saved Juninho's free kick delivery that was heading for the back post. Chivas lost the ball on the attack, resulting in a millionth LA counter. Landon Donovan was on the attack and got the ball to Juninho, whose one-touch finish completed the Galaxy's efforts on the 64th minute. Chivas were not putting on any pressure, relying mostly on accidental counters resulting from failed passes by the opposition. The Chivas defense prevented Donovan from realizing another attack, getting the ball out for a corner. If only that were the solution to preventing Juninho from scoring! The Brazilian landed his double in the back post after Donovan's third assist of the match on the 74th minute. It was Juninho's best game, no doubt, as both a player on the pitch and as a goalscorer. Credit should also be given to Omar Gonzalez, who marked the Chivas defense before the goal was scored. A Chivas free kick by Sarvas went off the head of none other than Gonzalez. Donovan picked up the ball from Keane quickly; he wanted to score himself, but Dan Kennedy was there to make the save. The ball grazed the Chivas keeper's fingers and went out for back-to-back corners. Landon Donovan's corner kick delivery on the 83rd minute saw Omar Gonzalez find a place in the middle to head the ball down for the fourth goal of the night, sealing the deal for the Galaxy. Chivas were more active during the last few minutes of the match, attempting to get a goal in for pride. Their last attempt came during added time - Joseph, who debuted for Chivas USA, made the run, but couldn't get ahold of the ball in the end, leaving it to Saunders.
Chivas currently average at 3.0 shots on goal per game this season and had the fewest tonight in MLS, 2.0 shots on goal, during their game against LA.
The team has only scored more than 2 goals against a team twice this season.
Goalkeeper Dan Kennedy is 4th among MLS keepers in the goals against average. According to ESPN, Kennedy certainly deserves a USMNT call-up.
Gonzalez has had an incredible return after his injury. He's a dynamic player and he proved it by being in the right place at the right time both on the defense and on the attack.
There was a very special player to work the set pieces while David Beckham was away in London. U.S. National Team star Landon Donovan made all the difference on the pitch against Chivas. In a post-match interview, Donovan modestly complimented his team's defense (rather than himself and the rest of the offense).
With Donovan's assists at an all-time high, his presence will be crucial to the USMNT's game against Mexico on Wednesday. Scoring during regular play will be difficult, so set pieces will definitely determine the NT's chances of scoring.
MLS Regular Season
- 25th matchday -
Game of the Week/SuperClasico
Sunday, August 12, 2012, 11PM (EST)
Chivas USA vs. LA Galaxy - 0:4 (0:1)
Arena: the Home Depot Center (Carson, CA)
Referee: Jair Maruffo
Goals:
1:0 Robbie Keane (Asst. Landon Donovan) ('27)
2:0 Juninho (Asst. Landon Donovan) ('64)
3:0 Juninho (Asst. Landon Donovan) ('74)
4:0 Omar Gonzalez (Asst. Landon Donovan) ('83)
Highlights:
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