CARSON, CALIFORNIA (BDCi) — It took until the second half but the Los Angeles Galaxy capitalized on a Colorado Rapids foul and went on to win the match 1-0 at the Home Depot Center Saturday night.
A scary moment occurred in the 47th minute when Marcelo Sarvas took a shot to the face and Rapids defender Drew Moor received a red card and was ejected. Mike Magee took the penalty shot and nailed it to give the Galaxy the 1-0 lead. It was Magee’s fourth goal of the season which is tops in the MLS.
The Galaxy were the aggressors all night as they continued to attack the Rapids defense with crisp passing and constant movement but could not cash them in, particularly in the first half.
Photo by Janete Weinstein
The Galaxy had a great opportunity early on in the ninth minute as Jack McBean took a shot on goal but Colorado goalkeeper Clinton Irwin made a great save. Jose Villarreal had another chance for the Galaxy in the 16th minute but missed wide right.
Villarreal had another great chance in the 33rd minute and brought Irwin out but defender Diego Calderon made an incredible save to kick it out off the net at the last second. Unfortunately for Calderon, he ran right into the goalpost and was hurt on the play.
Jose Villarreal talked about playing alongside Jack McBean.
“I think me and jack did a good job. We just had a lot of confidence and kept at it.”
McBean had yet another opportunity inside the right box off a pass from Sean Franklin but Rapids rookie goalkeeper Clinton Irwin made another great save to keep the game scoreless.
Juninho had a free kick chance during stoppage time in the first half but sailed it too high.
The Rapids were held to just four shots on goal, which is a credit to a Galaxy defense that was missing star Omar Gonzalez who is with the U.S. National team. Also the Galaxy were missing Robbie Keane who is with his Ireland National team.
With the win, the Galaxy remain in second place in the Western Conference standings behind FC Dallas. The Galaxy’s next game will be Saturday March 30th against Toronto FC at BMO Field.