Carson, CA -- Following a significant road win in Colorado last weekend, the Galaxy hosted FC Dallas on Saturday night at the Home Depot Center. FC Dallas started off the game as if they were at home, opening with a furious offensive attack, including a shot towards goal by Brek Shea.
The Galaxy settled down and in the 11th minute, David Beckham sent a leading pass through the air to Landon Donovan, who dribbled the ball past FC Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz and shot on goal with an open net. Unfortunately, Donovan was left with a narrow angle and hit the post with the shot.
FC Dallas countered with a cross and shot on goal that backup Galaxy goalkeeper Bill Gaudette terrifically saved, and a later strong shot on goal from Shea in the 22nd minute.
In the final ten minutes of the first half, the Galaxy had its offense in high gear.
In one particular sequence, Sean Franklin was jetting down the wing and crossed the ball into Robbie Keane, who shot on target and hit the goalkeeper. Then seconds later, Beckham crossed the ball in on a corner kick that Donovan got his foot on in a crowd, but Seitz again made the save.
At the start of the second half, Beckham received the ball at midfield, sprinted forward, and made a great lead pass to Donovan. Donovan made his way into the 18-yard box before being pushed down from behind, resulting in a Galaxy penalty kick.
Landon Donovan, the captain, normally takes the penalty kicks for the Galaxy, but Keane took this one and missed wide of goal.
In the 60th minute, FC Dallas’ Perez got the ball in the 6-yard box and was fouled by Gaudette after David Lopes was unable to get rid of the ball. Shea stepped up to the penalty kick and delivered for a 1-0 Dallas lead.
The Galaxy continued to attack throughout the rest of the game, with a corner-kick in the 77th that Chad Barrett headed over goal; a Beckham free-kick in the 85th; and a Juninho shot in the 89th minute. However, the Galaxy failed to convert, as the team's many squandered opportunities seemed to be the story of the night.
Until stoppage time with only two minutes left in the game.
In the 92nd minute, a Galaxy cross into the 18-yard box put the ball up for grabs. Chad Barrett controlled the ball and left it off for substitute Pat Noonan. Noonan then shot on goal with his first touch and scored for a 1-1 tie -- a well deserved result for both teams.
Earning a tie instead of a loss was important for the Galaxy because they have a tough week ahead of them, playing a mid-week game at Seattle and a home game next weekend versus New York.
By Brian Kowalski
Staff Reporter for The Daily Sports Herald
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