SB Nation Los Angeles - LA Galaxy Lose To FC Dallas 0-3 In MLS Cup Western Conference Finalhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48949/la-fave.png2010-11-14T21:24:21-08:00http://losangeles.sbnation.com/rss/stream/15669192010-11-14T21:24:21-08:002010-11-14T21:24:21-08:00LA Galaxy Lose To FC Dallas 0-3 In MLS Cup Western Conference Final
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>In a way it was a strange game, and in a way it wasn't. In the first half, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/los-angeles-galaxy">Los Angeles Galaxy</a> dominated chances on goal 5 - 1 and yet trailed 0 - 1. Completely against the grain of play, <span>David Ferreira</span> found himself with space at the top of the box and a defender blocking Rickett's view. His strike rolled just to the right of Rickett's and it was past him before he could even make a move. That was all it took for Dallas one shot, one goal. Then in the second half the game started to look to those watching the way it looked to those just checking the score. Dallas came out with five shots on goal, two of them going in, which meant when Dallas was on target tonight there was a 60% chance the ball was going in which is just silly. </p>
<p>For comparisons sake, Los Angeles saw six of their on target shots fall into the hands of <span>Kevin Hartman</span>, with one attempt bouncing off the bar. Both of <span>Edson Buddle</span>'s attempts went wide, one left and one right, as the Galaxy striker had a most frustrating night. While only on the record as suffering one foul, Edson was kicked in the head and started bleeding, had his jersey pulled, tugged, and was just generally mishandled all night. Bruce Arena said in his press conference that he believed Edson was the most fouled player all season, and this handling of one of the league's top goal scorers not being recorded on the scorecard speaks volumes about the MLS referees <span>David Beckham</span> is so fond of complaining about. </p>
<p>Not that Edson was the only one showing frustration on the pitch. Four Galaxy players went on the books with yellow card cautions, one of them, David Beckham, going on record for voicing his dissent on a controversial third Dallas goal. It was Beckham's contention that <span>Marvin Chavez</span> was offside, and he may have had a point. The other three Galaxians to go on the books were all for reckless tackles, Kovalenko, Birchall and Cazumba respectively. <span>Chris Birchall</span> and Alex Cazumba came off the bench trying to do too much too late, while <span>Dema Kovalenko</span> tends to rack up yellow cards like he really enjoys the color. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We have no excuses," coach Bruce Arena said. "We were outplayed, we were certainly in position in the first half to get a lead and maybe take control of the game and [we] failed on that. I think maybe a couple calls didn't go our way but that's part of it. You play in this league and the officiating sometimes doesn't go your way. It's not different in our league or in any other league. We were beat on most matches on the field and we were out-coached. Dallas deserved the victory, and I give them a lot of credit and wish them the very best in the cup final." </p>
</blockquote>
<p>When pressed to elaborate on how exactly he was out-coached, Bruce Arena said "Dallas 3 - Galaxy 0" in one final sarcastic triumph over analysis. David Beckham certainly wasn't one of the players outplayed in their matchup. His play on the pitch tonight was inspiring, as he anticipated passes that hadn't be made yet and just generally hustled all over the field. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan">Landon Donovan</a> as well showed moments of inspired play. However, for the most part, the Galaxy showed the side of this team which the media constantly dread will show up. </p>
<p>Supporters of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a> should hold their heads high. They are the Western Conference champions in the same system which crowned a team from the West the Eastern Conference champion. The beer is flowing in the visitor's locker room and the jubilee flows just as freely. There is red confetti on the field at Home Depot Center, and people in gaudy red beer soaked t-shirts are enjoying a moment the FC Dallas franchise has never seen. Somewhere in the developing world a child will be outfitted with a LA Galaxy, Western Conference champions t-shirt, as 28,000 fans ask themselves when will it be our turn. </p>
<p>Not that they should be too discouraged. This is a franchise that has found a way to become a perennial winner in a league which values parity over anything else. The turmoil of the early Beckham days has been replaced with an expectation of winning. There are talks of changes to the playoff system next year, so it'll be exciting to see how that plays out. Regardless, the Galaxy have brought home silverware both of the last two years. It just hasn't been the piece of hardware associated with the title of MLS Cup champions. </p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-galaxy/2010/11/14/1814657/la-galaxy-fc-dallas-mls-cup-western-conference-finalJosie Becker2010-11-14T17:26:40-08:002010-11-14T17:26:40-08:00Starting XI For Western Conference Final: Los Angeles Galaxy Vs. FC Dallas
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/los-angeles-galaxy" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Galaxy</a> </strong><br> 1 Donovan Ricketts GK<br> 28 Sean Franklin <span class="caps">DEF</span><br> 20 A.J. DeLaGarza <span class="caps">DEF</span><br> 4 <span>Omar Gonzalez</span> <span class="caps">DEF</span><br> 6 <span>Eddie Lewis</span> <span class="caps">DEF</span><br> 23 <span>David Beckham</span> <span class="caps">MID</span><br> 19 Juninho <span class="caps">MID</span><br> 21 <span>Dema Kovalenko</span> <span class="caps">MID</span><br> 10 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan" class="sbn-auto-link">Landon Donovan</a> <span class="caps">MID</span> – Captain<br> 14 <span>Edson Buddle</span> <span class="caps">FWD</span><br> 18 <span>Mike Magee</span> <span class="caps">FWD</span></p>
<p>subs: Saunders, Berhalter, Cazumba, Dunivant, Birchall, Stephens, Kirovski</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">FC Dallas</a></strong><br> 1 Kevin Hartman GK<br> 6 Jackson Goncalves <span class="caps">DEF</span><br> 14 <span>George John</span> <span class="caps">DEF</span><br> 3 <span>Ugo Ihemelu</span> <span class="caps">DEF</span><br> 5 <span>Jair Benitez</span> <span class="caps">DEF</span><br> 18 <span>Marvin Chavez</span> <span class="caps">MID</span><br> 13 <span>Dax McCarty</span> <span class="caps">MID</span><br> 10 <span>David Ferreira</span> <span class="caps">MID</span><br> 2 Daniel Hernandez <span class="caps">MID</span> – Captain<br> 20 <span>Brek Shea</span> <span class="caps">MID</span><br> 16 <span>Atiba Harris</span> <span class="caps">FWD</span></p>
<p>subs: Sala, Loyd, Alexander, Avila, Guarda, Cunningham, Luna</p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-galaxy/2010/11/14/1814337/starting-xi-western-conference-los-angeles-galaxy-dallasJosie Becker2010-11-14T17:20:23-08:002010-11-14T17:20:23-08:00MLS Playoffs, LA Galaxy Vs. FC Dallas: Kick In T-Minus 60
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>There was talk all week about how to correctly determine the regular season champion. For the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/los-angeles-galaxy">Los Angeles Galaxy</a>, tonight is their reward for their hard work, as they get to host the championship of the Western Conference. The reward of course will be for naught if they don’t take care of business against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a>.</p>
<p>The Galaxy had the sixth-best home record in the regular season (9-4-2), owing largely to a mid-season swoon when the Galaxy couldn’t buy a win. However, the Galaxy haven’t lost a playoff game at home since 1998. As LA Galaxy captain <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan">Landon Donovan</a> said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“What you’re really playing for in the regular season is the have the chance to play this home game to go to the <span class="caps">MLS</span> Cup. Now we’ve done that and we’ve got to take advantage of it.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Galaxy have defeated Dallas both times they faced them this year, early in the year 1-0 at Dallas then a 2-1 victory at home on the last day of the regular season. That 2-1 victory was of the come from behind variety, as the Galaxy had to battle back from 1-0 after Dallas put in an early goal. They were able to battle back as they had only done one other time this season.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“We went down a goal early and the whole team did well to come back and fight for that win. That was very high, fast-paced, guys fighting up the sides, in the middle. There’s a lot to take away from that game. It’s fresh in our minds,” said <span>Omar Gonzalez</span>.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><span>Edson Buddle</span>, who was a hair’s breath from the Golden Boot title this year, followed that up with a goal in each leg of the Seattle series. This prolific year is a far cry from the past when Edson could be spotty, and last year when he didn’t put in a single goal once the Galaxy began their run to the Cup final. The goal was his first postseason goal since Oct 31st, 2004.</p>
<p><strong>“This season has been going well with scoring goals,” he said. “Our team is getting me the ball in the right positions so it makes my job a lot easier.” </strong></p>
<p>For the fourth straight week the Galaxy will be facing a team that builds attacks from the wide positions. FC Dallas is a team which has been known to go forward quickly, not wasting much time in the buildup. This contrasts with the slower, conservative and defensive style of the Galaxy.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“Thier flank play, the combination of players they use whether it’s been Harris, Chavez, <span>Brek Shea</span>, [Jackson Goncalves]…they’ve been outstanding in those categories,” said coach Bruce Arena. “The experience of Hernandez holding in the midfield…they have a team, I’ve said this before, they’re very good in every position on the field.”</p>
</blockquote>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-galaxy/2010/11/14/1814315/mls-playoffs-la-galaxy-vs-fc-dallas-kick-in-t-minus-60Josie Becker2010-11-12T15:00:10-08:002010-11-12T15:00:10-08:00MLS Playoffs, LA Galaxy Vs. FC Dallas: All Systems Go
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>For the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/los-angeles-galaxy">Los Angeles Galaxy</a>, after a week of preparation there remains nothing more to it than, well, to do it. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a> sits in an awkward position: they are by no means an upstart, given that their opening round series was 2 vs. 3. Yet the sort of are the upstart, with the franchise last winning silverware in 1997. However, it's not like the Galaxy don't know what it's like to be the upstart team that isn't an upstart. Just last year, the Galaxy were the team that came out of nowhere to represent the west in the MLS Cup final. Now the Galaxy are the team with the target on their back, playing at being the juggernaut in the MLS West. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I think we're more prepared, we're more experienced. We know what to expect from the game," said captain <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan">Landon Donovan</a>. "Last year we came on really late and did well at the end of the year, but this year we were the best team from week one. It's about defending our turf now. It's why we pushed so hard three weeks ago and now we have the opportunity to play at home to go to the final."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In many ways, <span>David Beckham</span> was right to compare Sunday's match to a derby game. The atmosphere certainly will certainly be top drawer, and there is a feeling that all the records should just be thrown out. It also has an element of familiarity, as the Galaxy and FC Dallas faced each other on the last week of the season, meaning each side knows fairly well the shape and character of their opponent. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I think given the fact that we probably played them before [the last game of the season] I think it was in May; having seen them recently at least helps," coach Bruce Arena said. "It helps them as well. I don't think it makes things any more difficult, I think perhaps it makes things easier just from the fact that we're familiar with them a little bit more than we would be. Having said that, I think that would be the case for Dallas as well."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The familiarity might also be from the shared history of some of the players on this club. The LA Galaxy have retained two members from their 2005 MLS Cup winning squad, Landon Donovan and <span>Todd Dunivant</span>, while FC Dallas has picked up two members from that squad, goalkeeper <span>Kevin Hartman</span> and <span>Ugo Ihemelu</span>. That incarnation of the Galaxy lives only in fan memories, as underperforming squads led by Steve Sampson and Frank Yallop were dismantled and the Beckham experiment left the nature of the LA Galaxy clubhouse permanently changed. </p>
<p>All the talking stops in just over 48 hours. FC Dallas is in Los Angeles, the Galaxy salivating at the chance to face them on Sunday. The stadium is going to be packed, the fans shall be electric, and most of all the footie should be brilliant. </p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-galaxy/2010/11/12/1810796/mls-playoffs-la-galaxy-vs-fc-dallas-all-systems-goJosie Becker2010-11-10T14:48:04-08:002010-11-10T14:48:04-08:00MLS Playoffs, Galaxy Vs. FC Dallas: Wednesday Update
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>For anyone expecting the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/los-angeles-galaxy">Los Angeles Galaxy</a> to slip into cruise control being the only top seed left in the playoffs, well you'd be wrong. After a teleconference with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan">Landon Donovan</a> and Bruce Arena this afternoon, there's no doubt that the Galaxy are still taking <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a> seriously. Not that there isn't reason to speculate, given the Galaxy sweeping the season series, including a game played just a few weeks ago. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>"[FC Dallas] came into LA three weeks ago and gave us a really good game," captain Landon Donovan said. "We expect the same on Sunday. It's going to be a really hard fought game that will come down to making a few plays on either end of the field."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Much will be made over the coming week about how much <span>David Beckham</span>'s return to this team has influenced their play. There's no question that David came back the right player at the right time. When he made his return, the Galaxy were in a bit of a slump, having trouble getting results though not tumbling down the table. Since he came back, David Beckham has looked a bit of the old Becks, with two goals in regular season play, equaling his total from 2009 in four fewer games. He also had one regular season assist, and added two more on Sunday night. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>"What [David Beckham] can do on a soccer field is, in my opinion, better than anyone else in this league, and better than a lot of people around the world," captain Donovan said. "The second part is the energy and effort he brings on the field which he's done now for five or six games incredibly well. The third part is the leadership part, he's dedicated and focused on making this team win. When you put all that together, he's going to make this team a lot better."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Landon spoke for a moment about his maturity as a player. Starting with San Jose and then with the Galaxy, championships seemed to fall in his lap. However there's been a bit of a dry spell since 2005, and his ventures into Europe have been well reported on. </p>
<blockquote>
<p>"My perspective has absolutely changed. To come in to a team where everything feel together in the right way with San Jose. I won the championship two out of my first three years and then three out of my first five years. At that point, I could almost assume that was normal. As you get older, you start to realize how difficult it is for those things to happen and you start to appreciate it more. Last year gave me a lot of appreciation for what it takes, mainly because I was the captain and I was so in-tune with this team."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Bruce Arena stuck to his talking points: the starting 11 isn't set yet, <span>Gregg Berhalter</span> is available to play, the strategy will be whatever the game dictates. FC Dallas is where it's al because they're a good team and the Galaxy are a good team as well. That's not all that fans can expect on Sunday however. Sure it's two good teams going at it, but it's also a midfielder in David Beckham who can do some fantastic things with the ball, and it's a midfielder in Landon Donovan who always seems to know just what the game needs. It's also a player in David Ferriera who had a MVP level season for FC Dallas. Many interesting story lines as the season charges forward to its thrilling conclusion. </p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/los-angeles-galaxy/2010/11/10/1806520/mls-playoffs-galaxy-fc-dallas-wednesday-updateJosie Becker2010-11-08T22:33:15-08:002010-11-08T22:33:15-08:00LA Galaxy To Face FC Dallas In MLS Cup Western Conference Final
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jh9Z6YLoOn8RpIDEcry6r_S1VkQ=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828123/large_losangeles.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/los-angeles-galaxy">Los Angeles Galaxy</a>, for the second straight year, are hosting the MLS Western Conference Final. For a second straight year, the road to the title match goes through a team from Texas. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a>, the Galaxy's opponent in last year's MLS Cup are out, so <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a>, the team the Galaxy beat to clinch the Supporter's Shield, are the only team standing between the Galaxy and a second straight MLS Cup Final appearance.</p>
<p>Last year's Supporter's Shield winner <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.massivereport.com/">Columbus Crew</a>, as well as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.onceametro.com/">New York Red Bulls</a> both lost their series over the weekend, so both of the Conference Finals will be composed entirely of teams from the Western Conference. As a result, should the Galaxy make it through, the MLS Cup Final in Toronto will be between two teams west of the Rocky mountains. First things first however, as the Galaxy get ready to face Dallas, 6:00pm at Home Depot Center and broadcast on ESPN2. </p>
<p>The Galaxy were victorious in both their meetings with FC Dallas this year. The first match in Dallas was a 1-0 affair, with <span>Mike Magee</span> scoring the only goal at Pizza Hut Park. The second match at Home Depot Center was 2-1 on a <span>David Beckham</span> free kick and a Juninho strike just after half time. </p>
<p>Should Sunday's match be drawn at the end of 90 mins, there will be two 15 min halves of extra time. Should that not produce a winner, the match goes to penalty kicks. Last year, Galaxy and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> were tied 0-0 at the end of regular time, and it wasn't until a <span>Gregg Berhalter</span> strike in the 103rd minute that someone broke through. David Beckham sealed the match with a penalty kick in the 109th minute as the Galaxy emerged victorious 2-0. </p>
https://losangeles.sbnation.com/2010/11/8/2323978/la-galaxy-to-face-fc-dallas-in-mls-cup-western-conference-finalJosie Becker