Galaxy Defeat Chivas in First SuperClasico Match of 2011 Season

Carson, CA -- Before a sellout crowd of more than 27,000, the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA battled in the first leg of the SuperClasico, with the Galaxy prevailing 1-0.  Chivas started the game with determination and energy as Justin Braun sent a header just wide of goal from a corner-kick in the 1st minute of action.

Then, in the 22nd minute, a Chivas’ cross found the feet of Alejandro Moreno who shot on goal from just 7 yards away.  However, goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts of the Galaxy saved the shot.

In the 14th minute, the Galaxy would attempt to score in similar fashion as David Beckham sent in a free-kick to Omar Gonzalez, but Gonzalez headed the ball just wide of goal.

The weekend prior to Saturday’s game against Chivas, Beckham nailed a free-kick for a goal from about 25 yards away versus Sporting Kansas City.  Standing in the same spot on the pitch in the 26th minute versus Chivas USA, Beckham sent in a free-kick to the near post to Chad Barrett who was unguarded.  Barrett brilliantly redirected the ball to the far-post and the goal gave the Galaxy a 1-0 lead.

Despite being down 1-0, Chivas still continued to play a solid game versus the Galaxy as first year Chivas coach Robin Fraser and forward Justin Braun led the team.  Unfortunately, they were unable to create any goals for their team in the first half.

Also playing well was the Galaxy’s newly-acquired Juan Pablo Angel, who created a scoring opportunity in the 42nd minute, while continuing to look more comfortable with the Galaxy as the season moves forward.

As the second half began, Chivas turned the ball over in the 49th minute and Angel sent a pass around the Chivas defense to Barrett, who was alone with Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy.  As Kennedy charged out, Barrett made a move around Kennedy and shot towards goal but missed, leaving Barrett with his head shaking.

Again, Chivas would not back down from the challenge posed by the Galaxy.  In the 63rd minute, Landon Donovan broke free with the ball and sent a cross into Angel that the Chivas defense stopped.

Immediately thereafter, Chivas moved the ball aggressively up the field on the counter-attack and in the 65th minute they crossed the ball into the 18-yard box that eventually found the feet of Chivas’ Ben Zemanski.  Zemanski hit a great shot that made it past Ricketts, but hit the post and went out of play.

As the second half developed, the game between the two teams heated up with physical play.  Mike Magee of the Galaxy received a yellow card for a foul in the 50th minute, and Zarek Valentin of Chivas receiving a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Todd Dunivant in the 73rd minute.

The Galaxy continued a strong offensive game as they earned corner kicks in the 67th, 72nd, and 87th minutes, but could not find a second goal in the SuperClasico.  Additionally, despite Chivas’ efforts in the second half and the 4 minutes of stoppage time, they could not level the score.

The LA Galaxy eventually won this first leg of the SuperClasico by a score of 1-0, behind another game winning assist by David Beckham. The two teams will finish the Battle for LA on October 16th at the Home Depot Center.

By Brian Kowalski
Staff Reporter for TheDailySportsHerald.com