The Los Angeles Galaxy came out firing from the start of the match, and they have a 2-0 lead to show for it. The strange thing is the Galaxy didn't change much. It's the same formation, with the same players making the same moves. Something clicked on the road for the Galaxy, and they've brought it back to the Home Depot Center.
Chad Barrett scored the first goal. Landon Donovan got the ball in from the wing into David Beckham. Barrett made a central cut between the two center defenders and Beckham found him with a lob that Barrett slammed into the back of the net on one bounce. The half volley was Barrett's second goal of the year, and the second in two games starting up top with Miguel Lopez. The second goal came after Landon Donovan suffered a foul in the box. Rodney Wallace was yellow carded for his half hug, and Landon put the ball gently inside the left post after keeper Troy Perkins went right.
Despite giving up two early goals, Troy Perkins has saved more than he let in. The Portland Timbers seemed to be finding a rhythm just before halftime, and managed to earn two corner kicks in the latter part of the half. Kenny Cooper, of the USMNT, has yet to have an impact on the match.
Juan Pablo Angel warmed up on the sidelines and is now in to start the second half. Portland also made a halftime change bringing in the Timbers' first DP, Columbian Diego Chara.