CARSON, Calif. – About the only thing up for debate after the LA Galaxy’s performance Sunday was whether or not it was the best they’ve played in 2010.
Save for a late goal, the Galaxy were far superior than Seattle and had their way with them in their 2-1 victory.
WATCH: FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
For Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, his team’s lights-out play made for a fine evening.
“We played well in the first half,” said Arena. “In a game of this magnitude at this time of the year, I’m pleased with it. Whether it’s the best we’ve played, I don’t know, but it was certainly good enough to carry us through the second half and get us through this series.”
The Galaxy knocked out the Sounders with a 3-1 aggregate score and will host FC Dallas on Sunday, November 14 (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, ESPN2) for the Western Conference Championship.
“We played well and we’re going to need more of that kind of effort next week against Dallas,” Arena said.
Entering Sunday’s game, the Galaxy held a 1-0 advantage after having beaten the Sounders at Qwest Field a week ago.
In the 19th minute, David Beckham set up the first of two goals, sending in a corner kick towards Edson Buddle, who buried the ball from about eight yards out. [WATCH: Buddle's goal]
Beckham found Omar Gonzalez on a set piece eight minutes later and the match was all but over. [WATCH: Gonzalez's goal]
“The second one in particular that Omar played on was a great goal,” Arena said. “His reputation on set pieces is well-known, well-respected and well-earned. And [Sunday] it was the difference in the game.”
If there were any negatives, it was the way the team faded near the end of the match.
Steve Zakuani knocked a ball past Donovan Ricketts four minutes from time, but by then the game was well in hand.
“We were a little sloppy in the last 20 minutes,” Arena said. “If we were a little smarter, a little sharper, perhaps we’d have had the opportunity to get the third goal and really kill the game.
“Give Seattle credit. They never quit. It was a tough battle for 95 minutes.”
The Galaxy face FC Dallas in the Western
Conference Championship on Sunday, November 14 at 6 p.m. at The Home
Depot Center. Tickets are available as low as $20! BUY TICKETS
