LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs: Galaxy come back to advance

Although it seemed to be a risk, the physical nature of the game never got out of hand, although it should be noted that Petrescu allowed many persistent fouls to go. This approach appeared to favor Vancouver, who are known for being a team that frequently fouls opponents, but the referee was unafraid to call the penalty for the Galaxy. Both sides had penalty shouts during the course of the game, but in the end, only one penalty was awarded, and that made the difference in this game.

Although they haven’t been convincing for much of the night, the Galaxy look to be in control of the match at this point. Vancouver will really need to wrestle possession back in the final 15 minutes of the match if they want to get an equalizer of their own.

It appears the second half will probably get more physical, and referee Silviu Petrescu, who only gave out one yellow card in the first half, will likely need to crack down with more whistles and cards. A group of Galaxy players surrounded Petrescu at halftime, and it will be interesting to see if they will channel their frustration or continue to struggle in this match. For Vancouver, they will probably look for another quick goal if they can get a chance, but their task will primarily be to hang on defensively for another 45 minutes.

The shock goal could result in a couple of scenarios. Vancouver could sit on the lead and seek to defend the Galaxy tighter than ever before, in an effort to hang on for the narrow win. The game could also open up, especially if the Galaxy are able to get an equalizer early in the first half. Still, the early goal means that there will likely be plenty of intrigue ahead in this game.

The 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs continue with the LA Galaxy hosting the Vancouver Whitecaps at the Home Depot Center this evening. It looks like the Galaxy should take care of the Whitecaps with ease, while Vancouver is seeking to prove that they didn’t back into the playoffs and they belong with the rest of the qualifiers.

The winner of this match will face Supporters Shield winner San Jose in the Western Conference semifinals starting Sunday, so there will be a quick recovery period between matches. Of course, this is a one-game play-in, so the loser won’t have to worry about any more games in 2012.

The LA Galaxy are heavy favorites to take down the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Western Conference Wild Card round and book their spot in the conference semifinals against the San Jose Earthquakes and for good reason. Whereas the Whitecaps slumped in the final months, winning just one of their last 10, the Galaxy were in their best form of the season. There is also that whole defending champions and experience thing, too.

The MLS Cup Playoffs have provided their fair share of shocking upsets before, though, so if history is any indicator, the Galaxy won’t have a cakewalk. After all, the Colorado Rapids have a MLS Cup.

Literally every editor over at MLSsoccer.com picked the Galaxy to advance. The only question is, can they win the whole darn thing?

The Whitecaps’ best chance is probably nag a goal and park the bus. If the Galaxy get even one goal, it’s hard to see the Whitecaps overcoming that.

Rennie didn’t exactly start cleaning house right away, but he did make some significant moves. Among the more notable were trading for Sebastien LeToux and signing Korean international Young-Pyo Lee. Big changes or not, it clearly worked.

After that game, Rennie talked about the need to get results anyway possible and that the team had perhaps focused too much on trying to play attractive soccer during their late-season swoon. Considering they only scored six goals during that 10-game stretch -- four of which came in their only win -- that sounds more like a narrative in search of storyline, but it does indicate that Rennie is more than happy to park the bus and just hope for a result in Los Angeles.