CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano’s Three Points to the LA Galaxy’s 1-0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC.
VICTORY PROVIDES MAJOR BOOST TO THE GALAXY
As preparation goes for the MLS Cup Playoffs, Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC went as well as it could have for the LA Galaxy.
Mike Magee’s 83rd minute goal allowed the Galaxy to finish the regular season on a high note, but it wasn’t just the high mark for LA. Robbie Keane—who provided the assist on Magee’s strike—enjoyed another strong match alongside Edson Buddle, coming close numerous times to putting LA ahead.
Meanwhile, head coach Bruce Arena enjoyed success with his wide pairing of Christian Wilhelmsson and Landon Donovan, who caused trouble for the Sounders’ full backs in what was a back and forth affair between the two teams.
SAUNDERS AND GALAXY DEFENSE STIFLE SOUNDERS
There would have been no heroics by Mike Magee, if goalkeeper Josh Saunders did not make big saves time and time again during LA’s 1-0 victory on Sunday.
Throughout the match, Saunders routinely came up in the clutch making a total of four saves on the night. Perhaps none was more impressive than his 59th minute one-handed save on a shot by Fredy Montero from close range.
Saunders wasn’t the only Galaxy defender to step up during Sunday’s high energy match as centerbacks Omar Gonzalez and Tommy Meyer appeared up to the task in stopping Seattle’s dynamic forward combinations of Montero, Eddie Johnson and Sammy Ochoa. With A.J. DeLaGarza unlikely to participate in Thursday’s Knockout Round game, the match served as a vital test for LA’s centerbacks.
JOHNSON INJURY BLOW FOR SOUNDERS
The LA Galaxy may have gotten out of the season finale unscathed injury wise, but the same cannot be said about Seattle.
Just moments from the end of the second half, Seattle forward Eddie Johnson was chasing down a pass in the final third before grabbing his hamstring. After a brief delay, Johnson was replaced by Samuel Ochoa in a moment that gave pause to many in the Pacific Northwest.
Ahead of what promises to be a contentious Western Conference Semifinal against Real Salt Lake, an injury to Johnson could be a serious hit to the Sounders' hopes of reaching the MLS Cup Final for the first time in club history as the U.S. International has accounted for 14 goals this season.
