LA Galaxy Vs. Real Salt Lake: Late Goals Propel RSL To Victory

Apparently, the LA Galaxy aren't quite as invincible as so many of us made them out to be. Despite taking a second-half lead at home, the Galaxy surrendered a trio of goals after the 73rd minute to fall to Real Salt Lake 3-1 on Saturday during MLS's First Kick. It was the Galaxy's first loss at home since falling to FC Dallas in the 2011 playoffs, ending a streak of 19 MLS matches.

Until Sean Franklin's own goal that tied the score 1-1, the Galaxy had very much looked like the better team. Edson Buddle's goal off a beautiful David Beckham delivery in the 71st minute had been their breakthrough moment, but they had been knocking on the door several times before then. In the first half, Landon Donovan and Marcelo Sarvas both hit shots off the crossbar and the Galaxy had threatened on several other occasions.

The own goal changed the tide. Sebastian Velasquez sent in a cross that didn't look particularly dangerous, but it deflected off Franklin, and Josh Saunders could do nothing to stop it. About seven minutes later, RSL struck again. This time it was Javier Morales pouncing on a rebound just inside the 6-yard box.

The wheels really started to come off when Fabian Espindola closed the scoring in the 85th minute. Espindola was able to get to a long ball, easily shirked AJ DeLaGarza and raced in 1-v-1 with Saunders. Showing calm and composure, Espindola had no trouble finishing it.

That seemed to wake up the Galaxy as they created several more chances after Espindola's goal, but Nick Rimando was up to the task each time and preserved the victory.