Chivas USA started brightly, but ever since the match has tilted firmly in favor of the Los Angeles Galaxy. The first Los Angeles derby of 2011 looks set to go to the more accomplished team in the city with the Galaxy leading the Goats 1-0 at halftime and looking like they are bound to get at least one more. Chad Barrett got on the end of a David Beckham free kick to put the Galaxy ahead, but the minutes before and rest of the first half makes it look like the Galaxy will continue their dominance of the team they share the Home Depot Center with.
Chivas USA Vs. LA Galaxy, SuperClasico: Galaxy Take 1-0 Lead To Halftime
Not even a minute into the match Chivas was almost ahead. While the Galaxy looked lazy and lethargic, the Goats came flying out and earned a quick corner. Justin Braun got on the end of that corner kick and head one that beat Donovan Ricketts, but it just went wide of the post.
After that the Galaxy were flying. They dominated possession, easily holding the ball while Chivas were forced to chase. With Barrett working hard to make runs over the top and the threat of Beckham playing long balls, Chivas had to drop deeper. That opened up space for the Galaxy, who were only too happy to take advantage.
Chances didn't turn into a goal until the 26th minute for Los Angeles though. Blocked shots and near misses kept the match scoreless until then, but when LA got a free kick just beyond the left corner of the box, they took advantage. Beckham played a perfect ball to the top of the six-yard box where Barrett was unmarked and easily headed the ball past a helpless Dan Kennedy to put LA up 1-0.
Even though they had their goal, LA kept pushing. Another Beckham free kick found a teammate's head, but Mike Magee put it over the bar. Juan Pablo Angel came inches a way from poking the ball past an onrushing Kennedy and Chivas had no answer.
The Goats continued to play long balls to Braun, who did well to hold the ball, but he had no help. With no help for Braun up top and a midfield being vastly outplayed things look grim for Chivas. The one hope they do have is a mistake from a Galaxy back line that has committed their fair share of them this season. Even so, this one looks like it will go to the Galaxy.
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