CARSON, Calif -- The LA Galaxy were able to secure their first win at home in over two months, defeating the Portland Timbers 1-0. The win was also the Galaxy's first clean sheet of the year, the first in MLS play since MLS Cup 2011. The last match the Galaxy won at home was April 14, 2012 against the Timbers. The Galaxy had 20, 611 fans come out on a Sunday afternoon to see them claim their first three points since April.
The Galaxy got their goal in the 62', with David Beckham taking a corner kick in front of the Portland Timber's away supporters. The Timbers fans gave Beckham guff, but he was able to send a fine corner to the far post. Perkins didn't come out, and Todd Dunivant was able to nod in a bouncer past him. The goal was Dunivant's first since May 8th, 2010 in Seattle.
The best first half chance for LA came in the 15'. Landon Donovan ended up with the ball on about the eighteen yard line and let a rocket loose. It was low enough, but it clanked off the woodwork and back out into play. Donovan started up top at forward with Edson Buddle and Robbie Keane out, but had tough luck on the chances he took. Chad Barrett stood up top as the target forward, and looked pretty awful to boot.
While David Beckham was his usual self and picked up the assist, the standout in the midfield for the Galaxy was Marcelo Sarvas. The Brazilian showed great ball control ability, and was a spark that the Galaxy desperately needed in the creative third. The Galaxy defense was mostly the usual suspects, with David Junior Lopes not costing the Galaxy a goal but also not playing above his ability.
Josh Saunders made his first start back since completing his Behavioral Management program. He looked up to the task, making a great save on a low Kris Boyd shot that tried to sneak into the near corner. He also took a ball to the face, and was down for a minute.
Another positive note for the Galaxy was the first home MLS appearance for Jack McBean. The seventeen year old made an appearance in the Galaxy's last regular season match last season, scoring a goal in junk time. The kid has looked good in reserve matches, as the Galaxy look to develop talent for the future.