David Beckham and Landon Donovan were named to the MLS All-Star team on Sunday, but it was the LA Galaxy's other Designated Player who shined at Toyota Park. Robbie Keane drew a penalty, which he finished, and then added a second goal to lead the Galaxy to a 2-0 win over the Chicago Fire.
Chicago Fire Vs. LA Galaxy, 2012 MLS: Robbie Keane Braces Fires LA To Win
Fresh off of consecutive losses, the Galaxy needed to get three points in Chicago and Keane would have to be at the heart of that. Beckham was suspended and Donovan started on the bench so much of the attacking responsibility fell to Keane.
In the 24th minute, Keane made his mark when he drew a penalty with a cross that struck Jalil Anibaba's hand. It was unclear whether Anibaba handled the ball in the box or not and replays were inconclusive, but the referee pointed to the spot and Keane knocked home to penalty to give LA the lead.
Up a goal, LA was content to sit back and protect their lead in what become an ugly match. The two teams had chances here and there, but the Galaxy put men behind the ball and the Fire lacked ideas in the final third, which turned the match into a standing and giveaway contest.
The match's defining moments came in the 77th minute. Chris Rolfe took a square ball at from just outside the box hit a good low shot that looked like it would just squeeze inside the post, but Josh Saunders made a sensational save to keep the ball out and then the Galaxy came right back to put the match away for good.
Donovan, with fresh legs after coming in as a substitue, took the ball away in LA’s own half and took it the length of the field before sliding the ball over to Keane, who had just the keeper to beat. He did and LA were on their way to a 2-0 win.
With the win, the Galaxy move into fifth place, the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Fire are still in a decent position despite the loss, sitting fourth in the East.
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