SEATTLE – Thanks to Robbie Keane’s tying goal in the 78th minute, the LA Galaxy’s tempers were soothed after Omar Gonzalez’s apparent goal in the 42nd minute went uncalled by referee Mark Geiger and assistant referee Greg Barkey.
Following the match, the Galaxy players addressed the non-call that almost sent the team into the Knockout Round.
OMAR GONZALEZ: “The video shows it all. After I scored the goal, I looked at the linesman and he’s in terrible position and inside the end line when I think that he should be on the end line to make sure that the goal went in. It was clearly a yard-and-a-half in. It’s a bit disappointing that I didn’t get the goal, but the fact that we kept on playing well, and playing well, and got over it as quick as possible, shows a lot of character from us. The fact that we were able to come out in the second half and play how we did was huge for us.”
ROBBIE KEANE: “I mean, it was so obvious, wasn't it? I was standing right there. That's why I went a bit crazy at the referee, because I was right beside [the play] and I knew the ball was over the line. When something like that happens, it's very frustrating because you’re hoping that the linesman can help you out. I don't know whether [Barkey] was in line or not, I'm not too sure, but if he wasn't, it's a big problem. I hope that he wasn’t because that’s an excuse. It was definitely a goal.”
LANDON DONOVAN: “I saw it very clearly. I saw it as clearly as the linesman, so for me it was a no-brainer. I was looking right across, waiting for him to put his flag up and signal goal, but for whatever reason he didn't. I would suggest that goal-line technology would help, but that one didn't even need goal-line technology. It was real obvious. It's unfortunate. We've had a little hard luck with some linesmen this year, but hopefully it gets better in the playoffs.”
ROBBIE ROGERS: “It was a goal. I watched the replay and it was a bit ridiculous. It was such an important game too and it was in the 42nd minute, which is a very important part of the game. I don’t mean to be too harsh, but it was a really bad call.”
