If last year's LA Galaxy aren't back, they are sure doing their best impression. Last year's Galaxy team wasn't exactly exciting and didn't create a ton of chances, but they found just enough goals and were absolutely tremendous defensively en route to a MLS Cup title. Now they are back to doing the same thing and they showed it on Saturday night in a 2-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
LA Galaxy Vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 2012 MLS: Same Ol’ Galaxy
The first half was an absolute bore except for one play. The Whitecaps were flummoxed by the Galaxy defense and had no idea how to break it down. The midfield closed them down quickly and when they did get past the middle, the Omar Gonzalez-led back line was able to clear the ball away without much effort. LA spent their fair chunk of the time on the ball, but the constant long balls found no success and they couldn’t move the ball through the middle.
But the one moment of intrigue in the first half was a brilliant one. Juninho took a pass in the final third, used one touch to settle and then ripped a screamer from more than 25 yards that found the upper corner for a stunning goal. Not only did it give LA the lead, but it was the Brazilian’s sixth goal in his last five matches as his hot streak matches LA’s,
The second half looked much like the first. The Whitecaps failed to do anything and the Galaxy were content with the way the match was going now that they had their goal. They had their odd chance here and there, forcing a clearance off the line once, but they weren’t particularly dynamic and that was fine for them.
Just like in the first half, they did find a goal, though, and it also came from distance. David Beckham stepped into a 25-yard free kick and hit it predictably perfect. He curled the ball up over the wall and then back down, freezing Brad Knighton to finish off a comfortable victory for the 2011 2012 Galaxy.
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