Three Points: LA Galaxy defeat FC Dallas 2-1 at home

CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his Three Points to the Galaxy’s 2-1 victory over FC Dallas. With the win, the Galaxy clinch a spot in the 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs and have now qualified for the postseason for six consecutive seasons.


LACKLUSTER START FOR THE LA GALAXY…

The LA Galaxy jumped out of the gate, but their poor finishing was punished midway through the second half when they found themselves trailing a cagey FC Dallas side.


LA controlled the early stages of the game as they dominated possession and peppered FC Dallas’ goalkeeper Raul Fernandez’s net. However time and time again, whether it was Gyasi Zardes, Landon Donovan or Robbie Keane firing a shot, the Galaxy saw their attempts either miss the mark or fall into the safe hands of the Peruvian ‘keeper.


The Galaxy’s wastefulness was punished in the 54th minute when against the run of play Andres Escobar found Blas Perez who nodded the ball into the top corner past his compatriot Jaime Penedo.


…BUT A LITTLE HUSTLE GIVES LA THE WIN

FC Dallas’ lead was not to last, however, as the LA Galaxy attack quickly found their attacking gear—and three points—thanks to a little hustle. 


Less than eight minutes after the visitors pulled ahead, the Galaxy equalized because of a little workmanlike play from Gyasi Zardes. With FC Dallas attempting to clear a ball out of their own penalty area, Zardes stripped a defender and then fed Robbie Keane who scored from close range. The goal is Keane’s 15th of the season.


After falling a little flat late, the Galaxy pulled ahead for good when Robbie Rogers played a ball to Keane who sliced past a defender before feeding Gordon who leapt over his marker for the game-winner.


LA GALAXY CLINCH A POSTSEASON BERTH AND CLOSE IN ON SUPPORTERS’ SHIELD

The LA Galaxy locked down a spot in the 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs after their 2-1 victory and made a major statement in their bid for the Supporters’ Shield


With Seattle falling 4-1 to the New York Red Bulls, the Galaxy pulled level on points with Seattle as both teams find themselves at 54 points apiece.  Although both teams are tied, Seattle has a game in hand on the Galaxy.


If Seattle drops points against FC Dallas at Toyota Park on Wednesday, the Galaxy will find themselves in a very advantageous position heading into their two-game series against the Sounders in October.