The panic had begun to set in, but the LA Galaxy knotted up the score 1-1 in the Western Conference Wild Card game, via Mike Magee's fantastic volley in the 69th minute. Just five minutes later, Landon Donovan converted a penalty kick to give the Galaxy a 2-1 lead against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
LA Galaxy Vs. Vancouver Whitecaps: Magee, Donovan Give Galaxy 2-1 Lead
Through the first 25 minutes of the second half, the Galaxy had the bulk of possession and chances, but they could not convert any chances. It appeared the officiating style of referee Silviu Petrescu favored the physical play of Vancouver, who were hanging onto a 1-0 lead through 68 minutes. But the Galaxy found the net for the first time in spectacular fashion. David Beckham took a short corner kick from the right side to Juninho, who sent a cross from the edge of the box to Magee, whose volley beat Vancouver goalkeeper Brad Knighton. It appeared the Galaxy could climb back into the game.
Just minutes later, they took the lead, when Donovan earned a penalty from substitute defender Martin Bonjour. The Argentine had replaced Jay DeMerit just a minute earlier, due to an injury, and he collided with Donovan in the Caps' box. Donovan took the penalty himself and converted it without a doubt.
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.
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