Galaxy Whitewashes Whitecaps

Landon Donovan scores the opening goal for the Galaxy

Landon Donovan scores the opening goal for the Galaxy

(Carson) – Landon “The Legend” Donovan scored in the fourth minute and that was all that the Galaxy needed in a 2-0 win over Vancouver Saturday night before 21,637 at the StubHub Center.

“We got off to a fast start at home and that’s always good,” said Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena. “It was a very good win collectively for our team.”

Jaime Penedo held the Whitecaps at bay the entire contest making several big plays including one late in the second half on a bullet that was headed for the top of the net. Penedo made a leaping grab to haul it in.

“Our defense played well. Jaime made a couple big saves and the defense did a good job in stopping them,” Arena said.

Robbie Keane assisted on Donovan’s goal and added another in the 32nd minute when Marcelo Sarvas booted one home off of a Keane pass. Neither team scored the rest of the way.

Keane was a force for the Galaxy offensively as he also had four shots on goal. Four additional minutes were added on at the end of regulation and Keane almost got one of his own when he hit the crossbar in the extra time.

The Galaxy outshot Vancouver 22-6 overall and 13-2 on shots inside. LA had eight blocked shots compared to just one for the Whitecaps.

“Maybe we should have won by more but you take the goals when you get them. We got the win and that’s important. I thought it was an improved performance.”

Things got a little chippy late in the contest and Vancouver’s Johnny Leveron got a red card in the 90th minute. It was physical for both teams but Leveron got caught.

“I didn’t think it was a red card,” Arena said. “I thought the refs should have kept the cards in their pocket. Both teams were just playing.”

With victory the Galaxy improved to 11-5-7 while Vancouver dropped to 7-5-12. LA is in fourth place in the MLS Western Division.

 

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