Galaxy & Timbers battle to a scoreless draw

Carson, Calif. -- The Portland Timbers came to town Wednesday for a mid-week clash with the Los Angeles Galaxy at the newly-named StubHub Center before a soldout crowd.  For the Galaxy, fresh off an eleven-day break, the game would mark the return of stars Robbie Keane -- who had international duty with Ireland's World Cup qualifiers -- and Todd Dunivant.

Although the long rest and reinforcements helped to produce several quality scoring opportunities for LA during the game, it ultimately failed to bring a victory, as the Galaxy earned a 0-0 tie.

In the 3rd minute of play, Dunivant made an immediate impact and almost scored, as he got his left foot on a loose ball in the box, but it went straight to former-Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts.

Later, in the 34th minute, Landon Donovan and Robbie Rogers -- starting in his first game for LA -- linked up with passes and got the ball out wide to Sean Franklin for a cross.  The Galaxy earned a corner-kick, but as was the case with LA's many corners in the game, they could not produce a goal.

Dunivant was again in the mix in the 55th minute when the Galaxy had their best scoring chance of the game.  Tommy Meyer crossed the ball into the box and Dunivant headed the ball onto Franklin, whose flick hit the post and bounced out.

Meanwhile, the Timbers didn't aggressively threaten the LA defense in the game and seemed content with the draw on the road.

LA tried to get the win with Gyasi Zardes playing well and attacking in the 75th minute, and Colin Clark later getting an opportunity in the 77th minute in front of goal, but the game ended 0-0.

With the draw, the Galaxy remain in 5th place in the West heading into a weekend road match-up against Chivas USA.

By Brian Kowalski
Staff Reporter for The Daily Sports Herald