Resilient Galaxy take close game over Fire
Donovan's goal, Ricketts' strong goalkeeping give LA victory
Related
- Donovan's goal stands as LA tops Fire
- Highlights: LA 1, CHI 0
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The hosts went up just before halftime when Landon Donovan netted his 11th goal of the season, and the team was on the doorstep for much of the second half.
Still, Chicago hung around until the death.
But the Galaxy showed the resiliency that has carried them along this season and hung on to their slim lead to pull out a 1-0 win to all but clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2005.
That the Fire made it a close game despite surrendering the goal, playing without Cuauhtemoc Blanco and yielding the bulk of the early possession was not entirely unexpected.
"We had a few opportunities in the second half to get that second goal and to make life a little easier for us and to give ourselves a little bit of a cushion but that's the way the ball bounces sometimes and we weren't as sharp as we needed to be to finish them off," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. "Chicago true to form plays 90 minutes every time out and they made us earn our three points."
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The Galaxy moved temporarily into first place in the Western Conference and could win their first conference crown since 2002. However, LA's players were more satisfied with the fact that the playoffs are all but secure following the match.
"It's a nice feeling but more importantly is the idea that we're pretty close to the playoffs now and it's been a long time," Donovan said when asked about being in first place.
The Galaxy took the lead in the 42nd minute when Chris Klein sent a ball over the top of Chicago's defense and Landon Donovan raced to the ball. He ran onto a bouncing ball and placed a shot over Jon Busch and into the back of the net.
"I took off," Donovan said. "Chris hit a great ball. I think (Logan Pause) tried to slow me down and I think I got the better of that and Busch was caught in between and I put it over him."
Donovan continued to contribute to the team in the second half but could not score a second goal. Still, he did well to find players and generate scoring chances, test Busch on shots from inside the penalty area and track back to play defense.
His effort was contagious, teammates said.
"Landon's performance wasn't just about his goal which obviously won us the game," Beckham said. "It was important but his workrate was exceptional."
Despite all that, Chicago hung around. In the final moments of the game, the Fire nearly put in an equalizer. Donovan Ricketts made a sprawling save off a ball that was rolling around on the ground, nearly heading over the goal line, and helped keep Chicago off the scoreboard.
"When things happen the way they did the last few minutes, it shows the character of the team and shows the fitness of the team as well," Beckham said. "Donovan in goal saved us a few times but that's what he's there for. He has a big frame and he has a lot of confidence and we've got a lot of confidence in him. With Landon up front, the pace he's got, he's always going to get in good positions. Tonight the one goal was enough."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
