CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy earned a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday evening to snap a four-game winless streak, but although the scoreline was flattering, LA had plenty of respect for their dispatched opponent.
Prior to Marcelo Sarvas’ goal in the 27th minute, Sporting had strung together a 545 minute shutout streak, which is the fifth best in MLS history. Even after the goal, the game remained a back-and-forth affair with both sides testing one another until Landon Donovan scored the dagger in the 74th minute of play to put the game out of reach.
While the season may just be in its infancy, based on Saturday’s performance and Sporting’s early success, Donovan admitted that he would not be surprised to see Sporting in the thick of things come playoff time.
“They’re a very good team. I would guess that team would look different if they hadn't played in New York on Wednesday and traveled here,” Donovan told reporters. “There’s no question they didn’t have everything they normally do, but they still put up a good fight. They’re a good team and I wouldn't be surprised if they end up coming out of the East.”
Donovan also had plenty of praise for Kansas City midfielder Graham Zusi, who many consider to be the heir apparent to the Galaxy veteran with the U.S. National Team.
“I think Graham has been terrific. Aside from the on the field stuff, I think that he’s handled everything really well,” said Donovan referring to the pressure Zusi has faced. “I know that he gets asked a lot about all this stuff and I said to him after the game that he’s doing a great job of handling it. You could tell tonight that he wasn't completely on his game, but he has moments where he has something special.
“I think that he’s done a great job, he’s someone that deserves to be where he’s at and I look forward to continuing to battle back and forth with him and continue to push each other.”
