Galaxy edge Revs, go unbeaten in six

LA wins its first at Gillette in eight efforts to end Revs' streak

Galaxy forward Landon Donovan opened the scoring on 21 minutes with a sumptuous far-post volley. Jovan Kirovski doubled the advantage six minutes after the break by turning home a loose ball. Steve Ralston's 83rd-minute penalty kick handed the Revolution a lifeline, but the home side couldn't find an equalizer in the late stages and watched its four-match unbeaten run come to an end.

The entertaining victory gave Los Angeles its first-ever win in eight tries (1-5-2) at Gillette Stadium and solidified its playoff prospects as the Revolution dropped only their second game in MLS play this season.

Los Angeles coach Bruce Arena made one change to the side that nabbed a 1-1 draw in its last league match on July 25. Kirovski came in up top with Mike Magee dropping to the substitutes' bench. Donovan Ricketts (back) shook off the injury that forced him out against the Wizards after just 29 minutes, but forwards Edson Buddle (foot) and Alecko Eskandarian (nose) weren't fit enough to travel.

Edgaras Jankauskas and Shalrie Joseph started together for the first time in MLS play after both were deemed fit enough to feature from the start. Joseph represented the only change from last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Toronto FC as he came into central midfield and Sainey Nyassi dropped out of the side to accommodate him. With Joseph in the center of the park, Steve Ralston returned to his more natural role on the right wing. Revolution boss Steve Nicol watched from a suite as he served the first match of a two-game ban after being tossed out against TFC.

The match started out with good tempo as both sides found crevices they wanted to exploit from the opening whistle. Donovan's first-minute volley from an Eddie Lewis signaled the U.S. international's intent while also revealing the desire of both sides to jump into the attack when possible.

New England preferred to display its attacking intent by sending its fullbacks -- particularly Kevin Alston on the right -- into the attack. Joseph led Alston's run behind Todd Dunivant with a through ball, but Alston watched as the Galaxy defense cut out his cross.

By this point, there were plenty of chances at either end. Gordon did very well to cut around Darrius Barnes to corral a Beckham cross inside the penalty area, but did not do so well to sky his resulting effort well over the bar from ten yards. Jankauskas did better moments later after his deflected shot caught Ricketts wrongfooted, but curled just around the far side of the post.

Donovan opening the scoring in spectacular fashion on 21 minutes. Barnes cut out Gordon's cross from the right wing, but directed his header only as far as Donovan just outside the penalty area. Donovan took the clearance first time with a left-footed volley and tucked his audacious, curling effort just inside the far post.

New England tried to seize on a series of half-chances and close misses to grab the equalizer before the break, but couldn't quite find its measure in the final third. Kenny Mansally drove an effort over the bar before providing Ralston with a cross that he couldn't quite tuck home at the far post as the Galaxy entered the halftime break in front.

Kirovski extended the lead six minutes after break. Gordon and Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis contested for Eddie Lewis' cross from the left wing and the ball bounced free in the middle of the penalty area as neither got any purchase on the ball. Kirovski brought the ball down deftly with his first touch and then hooked the ball home with his second touch on a volley on the half turn.

After an indifferent spell after the Galaxy's second, New England withdrew Emmanuel Osei, inserted Pat Phelan and shifted to a 3-5-2 formation in an attempt to spark the attack.

Something else entirely sparked on 72 minutes after Mansally caught A.J. DeLaGarza with an elbow. Tempers flared as Mansally -- who had slid through Beckham with two feet in the first half -- drew rebukes from the Galaxy players and a caution from referee Jorge Gonzalez.

New England eventually perked up as the match entered the final quarter of an hour. Beckham eventually cleared a scrum inside the penalty area after Ricketts didn't deal well with Steve Ralston's free kick.

Ralston brought the Revs within a goal with seven minutes to play after Mansally burst into the penalty area and Omar Gonzalez hauled him down. Ralston dispatched the penalty to Ricketts' left to give the Revolution new life heading into the final minutes.

Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena sent on Chris Birchall for Beckham in the waning stages to shore up the midfield and the visitors did well to see out the game and secure their first-ever win at Gillette Stadium.

Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com.

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