Los Angeles Galaxy beat Chivas USA 1-0 (3-2 on aggregate) – Recap and Video Highlights – Sunday, November 8, 2009

The Major League Soccer Playoffs wrapped up its Conference Semifinal round on Sunday, November 8, 2009 as the Los Angeles Galaxy faced Chivas USA. The score was 2-2 on aggregate heading into the second leg. Here’s a recap of the match along with video highlights.

Los Angeles Galaxy beats Chivas USA 1-0 (3-2 on aggregate) – Video Highlights

1st Half

The Galaxy came out aggressive and had chances early. Landon Donovan used his speed in the first 10 minutes to create a few chances as the Chivas defense was slow to react. Virtually all the play through the first 20 minutes were in Chivas’ end as they struggled to hold possession. A defensive mistake from the Galaxy led to Chivas’ first good chance. Padilla stole a back pass and took a shot on goal but LA Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts was there for the save.

The Chivas USA defense was shaky in the first half and as the Galaxy continued to get good pressure. Despite being outplayed, Chivas almost took the lead around the 30th minute as Justin Braun took a shot that was just saved by Ricketts. It was curling into the back post and forced the Galaxy goalkeeper to make a solid save. A few minutes later, David Beckham had a great chance as he had a shot from the edge of the box that just went high.

The Chivas USA goalkeeper, Zach Thornton, had to make some key saves in the first half to keep his team in the match. One of these included a save on a volley shot from Chris Klein in the 34th minute. When Chivas were able to use the speed of their midfield and forwards, they exposed the lack of pace in the Galaxy defense. The first would end at 0-0 with the aggregate score still at 2-2.

2nd Half

Chivas came out much strong in the second half as Jonathan Bornstein had a great chance. He made a perfectly timed run and was on a breakaway until the defense recovered at the last second. The match was much more open as both teams looked for the game winning goal. The Galaxy remained the stronger team and continually would get crosses into the box.

The Galaxy would get caught on the counterattack around the 62nd minute as Chivas had a great chance. Chivas was uanble to convert but continually created their best chances on counters when the Galaxy were pushed up in the final third. LA would create a great chance with some nice passing that resulted in a Klein shot that was saved by a diving Zach Thornton.

The chances for the Galaxy would pay off in the 70th minute as Beckham played a fantastic long ball to Donovan. Landon then sent a cross back across to Magee unmarked in the box. Magee was fouled while trying to get off shot off in the box and a penalty kick was awarded. Landon Donovan would take the penalty with a chance to give his team a 3-2 aggregate lead. Thornton guessed to the right corner while Donovan put it in the middle of the box and LA led 1-0 (3-2 on aggregate) through 74 minutes.

Chivas would not back down and Mykel Galindo had a shot only moments later that just went over the crossbar. The Galaxy would continue to get expose the Chivas defense as Beckham sent another long ball to Donovan who created a good scoring chance. Beckham would lead the match in the 78th minute as he was limping and suffered a lower back injury.

With about 10 minutes left, Chivas USA desperately tried to find a goal. Chivas struggled to break down the Galaxy defense who played a solid match. There were five minutes of stoppage time as Chivas had one last gasp to send it into overtime. They wouldn’t be able to score as the Galaxy would move to the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Dynamo.

Referee: Ricardo Salazar
Referee’s Assistants: George Gansner; Kermit Quisenberry
4th Official: Alex Prus
Time of Game: 90:00
Weather: Clear -and- 64 degrees
Attendance: 27,000