Landon Donovan scored three goals and assisted on another, as the Los Angeles Galaxy won in emphatic 5-2 fashion against their Home Depot Center rivals Chivas USA. Alan Gordon scored a pair himself after coming off the bench, but the first SuperClasico match of the season was still a banner night for the Galaxy superstar.
Donovan is far and away now the leading scorer in MLS, having found the back of the net eight times already in just the first five games. It's been a different Donovan so far this season, who has been much more consistent on the offensive side of the ball.
"I feel like I'm being more assertive and more aggressive. I think I'm reaping the benefits of that," said Donovan. "In the past I got down on myself because I'm not aggressive and not taking shots. I know I have that ability. Lately in training I've been doing those things and it's transferring to the games and I'm going to keep doing it."
Donovan's aggressive attitude has also attracted the attention of his opponents lately. Last week against the Houston Dynamo, Donovan stood over Patrick Ianni and yelled at the young defender after scoring his first goal. This week, Donovan celebrated one of his goals right in front of the Chivas bench, raising the ire of Chivas head coach Preki after the game. Preki called the celebration "crap" and wasn't shy about voicing his displeasure.
The teams are developing a healthy rivalry with each other on and off the field and as a result the Chivas-Galaxy matchup is quickly becoming one of the most entertaining matches on the MLS calendar. The atmosphere at The Home Depot Center on Saturday didn't disappoint either.
"It was great, I think it was electric," said Galaxy head coach Ruud Gullit following the game. The Dutchman has seen more than his fair share of derby matches as a player and a coach, and came away impressed with the match.
"There were a lot of ups and downs. We scored, they scored, we scored, they scored. It had all the ingredients that a derby should have," said Gullit. "Normally these games are tight. 5-2 is a great score, but normally that doesn't happen in a derby."
Donovan tried to downplay the significance of the rivalry in the grand scheme of the regular season schedule, but he too was impressed with the atmosphere throughout the game.
"With any team, especially in the West, it's important to get a win," said Donovan. "It's fun to win. It's fun because of the environment, so to walk away a winner is good."
Lost in the Donovan hubbub was the performance of Alan Gordon. Gordon had been beleaguered after his lack of finishing so far this season, but he was the difference off the bench against Chivas.
"Gordon came in and all of a sudden we were scoring goals," said Gullit. "We found some more gaps and that changed the whole game."
Donovan had high praise for his teammate as well. Gordon scored the game winning goal after Ante Razov pulled Chivas level for a second time at 2-2, then set up Donovan for his third goal and the Galaxy's fourth.
"It was a great play," said Donovan. "He's played well in the times he's played. He wants to score so getting (Gordon's first) goal was big."
Before the season ever began, many people felt the Galaxy attack would be among the most potent in the league. On Saturday against Chivas USA, they showed it indeed might be something to be reckoned with as the season progresses.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
