Well, the Western Conference Wild Card match started very differently than most expected, as Darren Mattocks has put the Vancouver Whitecaps up 1-0 with a goal in just the third minute. On their first foray into the Galaxy's half, Vancouver midfielder Matt Watson tested Galaxy right back Hector Jimenez, filling in for the injured Sean Franklin. Watson beat Jimenez along the left touchline, then made a run to the endline before cutting the ball back into the path of Mattocks. The rookie forward then teed up the diagonal shot, and beat Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders with a perfectly-placed goal.
LA Galaxy Vs. Vancouver Whitecaps: Mattocks Gets Early Goal for Caps
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.
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