The Los Angeles Galaxy pulled away from Real Salt Lake in the second half of their conference final to win 3-1, in a spirited game. The game featured a penalty kick goal, a spectacular crossing pass finished off with a header and an exciting score from a late addition to round out the game.
Photo by: Linny Heng wikimedia commons
The Los Angeles Galaxy team that took the field November 6 was a much different team than took the field for the first game of the season this spring. New edition, Juan Pablo Angel, from the New York Red Bulls, never panned out as the team’s leading scorer and the Galaxy front office finally figured out he was not the man to replace last year’s leading scorer, Edson Buddle.
The Galaxy front office added Robbie Keane and the Irish national star rejuvenated a lethargic and mellow Galaxy squad. Keane breathed life into the stagnant locker room and he energized the weary Los Angeles players during the stretch run.
During the Galaxy victory over Real Salt Lake the Galaxy attacked on offense and they got back on defense to keep Real Salt Lake frustrated. The game went without a score until the 23 minute mark when the referee called a penalty kick.
Landon Donovan stepped in for the penalty kick and the man who seldom fails to hit the back of the net in penalty situations did not fail. Donovan blasted a shot to the left of goalkeeper Nick Rimando for the opening score of the game.
Real Salt Lake wasted no time evening the score. Alvaro Saborio scored on a rebound off a header by Robbie Russell only two minutes after the Donovan penalty shot score. The goal would be all Real Salt Lake could muster.
The most spectacular score of the game was a perfect crossing pass on a high arc struck by David Beckham and finished on a header by Mike Magee at the 58 minute mark. The goal was the third time in as many games that the two hooked up for a goal.
Robbie Keane finished off the scoring with a beautiful drive to the net, making his way around Real Salt Lake defender, Jamison Olave. Keane found himself one-on-one with the keeper and pounded the ball into the far corner for the tally.
The Galaxy will now face the Houston Dynamo on their home field at the Home Depot Center as they play for the MLS Cup. The Galaxy will be heavy favorites on their home turf but the game could be one for the ages.
*Todd Jacobs is a native Southern California resident and has followed the Los Angeles Galaxy since their creation.
