Galaxy Escape With Win Versus Dynamo

Carson, CA -- On Wednesday night, the Galaxy and Dynamo squared off in a mid-week MLS matchup with Los Angeles coming into the game with sole possession of first place in the Western Conference, and Houston entering in third place in the Eastern Conference.

For the Galaxy, David Beckham (who Bruce Arena said would have been rested regardless) was unavailable for the game as he was in England to participate in his good friend’s (Gary Neville’s) farewell game with Manchester United.

As the game began and throughout the first half, the Dynamo would have very little offensive production, while the Galaxy dominated the ball and created the scoring chances.

In the 7th minute, Chad Barrett received the ball in the 18-yard box, but was unable to get the shot off as a Dynamo defender deterred the attempt. Barrett also had an opportunity in the 17th minute from a Landon Donovan pass in the box, but Barrett was not in position to receive the pass.

The Galaxy were creating scoring threats with their crosses also, as Sean Franklin, Chris Birchall, and Donovan sent in dangerous passes over the defense in the 11th, 21st, 23rd, and 40th minutes, but LA was unable to capitalize.

However, in the 45th minute, as the first half was ending, Barrett fired on goal and the shot was deflected by the arm of a Dynamo defender. Head referee Chris Penso awarded the Galaxy a penalty kick and Donovan converted it to give the Galaxy a 1-0 lead. The goal was Donovan’s 8th of the season and would help him earn MLS Player of the Month for May.

The second half would be more competitive as the Dynamo matched the Galaxy’s play. In the 57th minute, the Dynamo showed more life but could not convert.

LA would respond with Juan Pablo Angel and Mike Magee threatening in the 58th and 75th minutes respectively, and with a Chris Birchall pass to Barrett in the 65th minute. The Galaxy could not find a second goal though, and had to focus on defense more so than in the first half because the Dynamo improved their play as the game continued.

In the 76th and the 86th minutes, the Dynamo had a scoring chance created with a cross and a 3 on 2 versus the Galaxy defense on a breakaway.

However, the Dynamo’s greatest threat to score was in the 89th minute when a dangerous cross was sent into the 18-yard box. The cross was headed down and bounced out to Geoff Cameron of Houston. Cameron fired a shot from the top of the 18-yard box that went just wide of the near post and would have tied the game.

Despite the play and scoring chances by both teams, the game would end 1-0 in favor of the Galaxy as they retained the top record in the Western Conference and in MLS.

By Brian Kowalski
Staff Reporter for TheDailySportsHerald.com