Chad Barrett went nuts trying to find a goal, then finally got one. David Beckham quietly commanded the game the way he had all year. Landon Donovan was in the suites and Robbie Keane was passing out drinks, but it still ended up just another match between LA Galaxy and Chivas USA. Lot's of energy, but not much to show for it.
Barrett didn't have another shot after he scored a goal, his bicycle kick was saved, his headers hit the bar and went wide right, and his breakaway roller was knocked off the line. A lot of effort, but it almost seemed like he'd never get the opening goal. The opener proved to be the winner, as Chivas did everything save tackle the keeper and walk the ball in.
The Goats ended up with fifteen shots, but only a third were on target. While Barrett had all three Galaxy attempts that were on their way in, Chivas spread the wealth around with Nick LaBroca trying Josh Saunders twice, Marcos Mondaini getting a shot in, as well as Laurent Courtois and an Andrew Boyens shot on a corner that was knocked clear by Michael Stephens. Juan Pablo Angel wasn't able to do much of anything tonight, with his best attempt getting walked out by a swarm of Galaxy defenders.
After the match the Galaxy handed out their end of the year awards. Landon Donovan has wrapped up the Golden Boot, and was awarded the MVP award as well. Dressed in street clothes, kept out of the 18, Landon hoisted the Supporter's Shield up to the delight of the crowd. Omar Gonzalez was given Defender of the Year, and the Riot Squad Player of the Year. Sean Franklin, also in street clothes, was awarded Humanitarian of the Year for his off the field efforts.
After the match, fans posed with a surfboard on the pitch, and with Alexi Lalas up on the concourse. It wouldn't be a clasico without a little weird. The Galaxy travel to Honduras in four days for their last CCL group stage game against group doormat Motagua. A win in that match, and the Galaxy advance to the knockout round. The Galaxy then finish their MLS regular season in Houston. Not a surprise that Bruce Arena rested Landon Donovan and Donovan Ricketts, and took Juninho out at the hour mark. David Beckham went the full 90, but that's Beckham for you.
Omar Gonzalez and Todd Dunivant were standouts once again, and with the Galaxy defense eating up six Chivas shot attempts, I think they should split man of the match. Dunivant was also key in getting up the pitch on the attack, with his left foot, and sending in left footed crosses.
Gregg Berhalter picked up the only Galaxy yellow card, for a reckless tackle. Seemed a bit cruel giving a retiring man a yellow.
As of this moment, not one current Chivas player has ever played in a Chivas win over the LA Galaxy. Hopefully the fabricated rivalry will actually become one when Chivas USA build their own stadium. Right now, it's more about celebrating LA's passion for the Galaxy, then celebrating LA's passion for soccer.