Well this got fun at the end! The first 20 minutes of the Western Conference Final between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake was a bit dull, before both teams were able to grab goals from dead balls. Landon Donovan converted a penalty in the 23rd minute, which was followed by a goal by Alvaro Saborio on the corner kick. Things settled down for a while after that, but got nice and crazy at the end of the half.
Los Angeles Galaxy Vs. Real Salt Lake, 2011 MLS Cup Playoffs: Halftime Score, Tied 1-1 In Crazy Game
Robbie Keane can count himself unlucky to score, as he's created a couple of spectacular scoring opportunities, hitting the post one one occasion and bending another fantastic shot just inches wide of the post. He hasn't been terribly active, but when he's got the ball around the penalty area, he's looked dangerous.
Things got a bit nuts in stoppage time of the first half, where Real Salt Lake got unlucky. First, Sean Franklin made an awful challenge on Will Johnson that was an obvious yellow card and borderline, debatable red. The referee did not show a card. On the ensuing indirect free kick, Kyle Beckerman eventually unloaded a powerful shot after a scramble, but hit the post.
This game could go in all sorts of directions in the second half. It could build off the end of the second half and go crazy, or Jason Kreis and Bruce Arena could shut up shop and keep this one boring. I’m going to bet on the latter, and I hope I’m wrong.
For all the latest updates and analysis of the MLS Cup playoffs, be sure to visit SB Nation Soccer. For the more localized perspectives, be sure to check out Galaxy blog LAG Confidential and Real Salt Lake blog RSL Soapbox.
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