No David Beckham, no Landon Donovan, no problem for the LA Galaxy. It helped that they played lowly FC Dallas, but despite being without two of their stars on Saturday night, LA went to FC Dallas Stadium and came away winners as Mike Magee struck for the match's only goal in a 1-0 win.
FC Dallas Vs. LA Galaxy, 2012 MLS: Two Stars Down, LA Still Wins
The first half featured wide open play and opportunities on both ends, but the finishing was poor. Time and time again shots went wide or a player failed to finish his run and as a result the two teams went to halftime just as they started the match -- scoreless.
But just after the hour mark, LA broke through. Robbie Keane was given far too much time at the top of the box and he was able to draw the defense before feeding Mike Magee, who used a touch to settle before striking the ball well with his left foot. It just barely squeezed inside the post and the Galaxy were a goal up.
Despite playing against a bad Dallas team that was without the embattled Brek Shea, it wasn't a comfortable finish for LA. Without Beckham's long balls to stretch the defense or Donovan's creativity, Dallas was able to close down on the Galaxy quickly and turn to attacking. But despite getting most of the possession and all of the chances late, the home side's finishing left a lot to be desired and made Magee's goal hold up.
With the win, LA is now 10 points clear of Chivas and comfortably in the West Conference’s final playoff spot. Dallas remain near the bottom, just three points ahead of last place Portland, who have three matches in hand.
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