Giovani dos Santos’ goal gives the LA Galaxy a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their semifinal matchup against the Colorado Rapids.
The LA Galaxy were able to defeat the Colorado Rapids, 1-0, at home in the first leg of this semifinal matchup. Colorado had the best defense in the regular season but Giovani dos Santos’ lone goal gave Los Angeles the win. The Rapids will now need to bounce back in the second leg as they return home.
Bruce Arena has gone with more of an unknown side leaving Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane on the bench lately. They were a part of the 18 but weren’t in the Starting XI in this one. Keane did make an appearance as a substitute but other players have stepped up as of late for the Galaxy.
Landon Donovan featured in the Starting XI for LA and he ended up playing the full 90. Jelle Van Damme had his usual great match with stellar defense and some nice attacking plays. He was the man of the match in this one.
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Tim Howard played great in goal for the Rapids as he recorded three saves. Even the goal that LA scored was because of a deflection and not because of Howard being in a bad spot. In truth, Los Angeles deserved a goal for the way they played but they were lucky with the one that went in.
Jermaine Jones came on at the start of the second half but didn’t prove to be a difference maker. The midfielder made a few plays going forward for his side but the lack of offensive skill crippled the Rapids. With only one shot on target, they will need to be better next time out.
The lone goal of the game was created by Van Damme who found himself in the opponents’ penalty box. He nutmegged Michael Azira then found Gio inside who headed the ball goalward. Dos Santos’ header took a deflection off of Axel Sjoberg and ricocheted into the back of the net.
"What an assist from Jelle Van Damme 👏@LAGalaxy open up the scoring. #LAvCOL https://t.co/33wxvUd9eG— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 30, 2016"
The Galaxy defense turned out to be the better of the two sides in the match. Los Angeles’ back four did such a good job of limiting the Rapids’ opportunities. Brian Rowe only needed to make one save.
The second leg of the Western Conference semifinal matchup will be November 6th in Colorado. The Rapids will now need to bounce back and improve their attacking when they return home. LA Galaxy is a good team but Colorado did not lose a game in the regular season at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.