He's captain Landon Donovan, and after tonight's brace his 13 game goalless streak is broken, as the Los Angeles Galaxy roll over the Portland Timbers 3-0 at the Home Depot Center Saturday night. The match was broken open early, as Chad Barrett controlled a cross from David Beckham and hit a screamer on a half volley past Troy Perkins in the 4'. The match was smooth sailing from there, as Landon Donovan converted a penalty from a foul he suffered in the box, then completed the brace in the 67' heading in a cross from Juan Pablo Angel.
"I think Landon should be scoring goals, said Galaxy coach Bruce Arena. It’s good to get him up on the board. Hopefully there’s more to come."
Landon also got credited with an assist on the first goal, feeding the ball into David Beckham. The Galaxy had 8 shots on goal the whole match, as the offense really seemed to come alive tonight. Barrett had another SOG in the 14' but it was kicked directly at Troy Perkins. Landon also had another attempt on goal that was saved fairly easily. Galaxy keeper Donovan Ricketts wasn't tested very much, outside of a nice save on an 80' Kenny Cooper attempt.
Coach Bruce Arena chose to stick with the forward dual that worked so well last match, Chad Barrett and Miguel Lopez. This means Juan Pablo Angel had to come off the bench, which he did right after halftime, though the switch wasn't pre-planned.
"Lopez got kicked in the first half and we made the change at halftime. It was difficult for Juan because he didn’t get any notice, he wasn’t warmed up properly, and it was difficult for him to start the game. As he warmed up he certainly played better."
Juan Pablo Angel looked quite good finding Landon Donovan in the box. Angel dribbled past his marker and there was nothing Perkins could do to stop Donovan from redirecting the cross into the box.
"The storyline is the two early goals. To be up by [two] goals within the first ten minutes of the game is important. At times tonight I think we played quite well. We’re passing the ball better, and we’re getting better as a team. However, it’s still a little bit sloppy over 90 minutes, our concentration could be a bit better at the end of games. But I think overall it’s a good win and it’s nice to get three goals. Hopefully we can continue to move forward as a team."
Man of the Match: Landon Donovan with the brace on his first game back after missing 3.
The Galaxy now go on to face FC Dallas on the road next weekend. David Beckham may miss the match due to the Royal Wedding, he has Bruce Arena's blessing, but as of now Beckham plans to suit up next Saturday.