CARSON, CA - After the storm the sun shines brightly, which describes not just the Los Angeles weather, but also the Los Angeles Galaxy's season thus far.
On a sunny, yet windy day at Home Depot Center would prove to be historic, especially when the Galaxy players and head coach Bruce Arena received their MLS Championship rings. Which ironically was given to them in front of their long time DC United rivals.
Sporting a two game losing streak, the Galaxy needed a win, especially on championship ring Sunday.
The Galaxy almost allowed a repeat of their previous games to happen, when DC United's Dewayne De Rosario blasted a shot at the goal, but thanks to some timely wind and defense, the goal attempt flew pass goalie Josh Saunders' net. That seemed to be the wake up call that the Galaxy needed, moments later Robbie Keane drove into the box for a potential score, yet was upset when he wasn't awarded a penalty kick by referee Toledo. After many attempts by Galaxy's David Beckham, Robbie Keane, DC United's Joe Willis was put to the test at goal.
Thanks to relentless efforts of Keane, who would not be denied as he was set up properly by teammate Mike Magee, that allowed Keane to score just before halftime 1-0 in the 44th minute of play.
In the second half the Galaxy turned up the intensity and pressured the United's net, and once Keane in the 69th minute scored an impressive goal thanks to the great assist by Landon Donovan. DC United goalie Joe Willis could not stop the goal that was fired from about 20 yards out on that play.
Denying DC United's request to score, thanks to the superb defense by Galaxy goalie Saunders, who just tipped away a shot attempt by DC United's Emiliano Dudar.
After not starting due to fatigue, Edson Buddle entered the game, which was a nightmare for DC United who had no one who could truly defend Buddle especially in potential breakaway situations.
Around the 85th minute, the Galaxy closed the deal, as Beckham assisted Sarvas with scoring a goal, which gave the Galaxy a 3-0 lead. Less than a minute later, as somehow the Galaxy forgot to get back on defense, DC United's Nick DeLeon quickly responded with a goal helping his team avoid the shutout.
That score did not make head coach Bruce Arena very happy. However, the Galaxy defeated rival DC United 3-1.
After a grueling schedule, the Galaxy can enjoy this victory, rest up and practice until March 31st when they take on the New England Revolution at Home Depot Center.
Robbie Keane spoke about the victory on championship ring day "we just played, and took alot of chances. We hadn't done that, we just took chances, and we got the victory."
Also at halftime AEG CEO Tim Lieweke spoke about team goals, how he wants them to win multiple champions. He believes in this team, yet he is upset with how the MLS has scheduled his teams games the last two weeks.
A great victory mentality and physically for the L.A. Galaxy, and their almost 20,000 fans in attendance, as they move on through the season.
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