The Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA ground out a tactical 1-1 draw on Sunday afternoon at The Home Depot Center. Maykel Galindo scored in the first half for Chivas while Landon Donovan found the back of the net for Los Angeles in the second half, as both goals came almost from nothing out of a midfield battle that produced very few quality scoring chances.
On a perfect day for soccer, under clear skies with a cool breeze, both teams kept the ball on the ground, opting for possession over route one soccer. But neither side really was able to do much with the ball when they had it, as the game was relatively devoid of many good opportunities in the opening 45 minutes.
The first chance fell to the Galaxy, and it was a golden opportunity for Donovan. Cobi Jones played an early through ball from deep in the midfield to spring Donovan loose on a breakaway. Donovan dribbled into the area and tried to juke past Chivas 'keeper Brad Guzan, but the young shot-stopper didn't bite on Donovan's move and stood tall, deflecting the shot with his legs.
The Galaxy lost a key member of their side soon after when right back Chris Albright was unable to continue due to a hamstring injury. Second-year defender Nathan Sturgis replaced him.
In the 18th minute the Galaxy were trying to utilize their speed and a series of one-touch passes in midfield eventually helped Jones find some space behind the Chivas back line. Jones tried to outrun the defense, but three defenders closed in around him, and he was muscled off the ball before he could manage a shot.
The two teams continued to trade possession, with neither side doing much to trouble the 'keepers. In the 35th minute, Chivas USA finally broke through on what was their first good scoring chance of the half.
Ante Razov received the ball at the edge of the final third and turned and slipped a ball through the Galaxy defense for Galindo. Galindo cut into the center of the penalty area, rounded Joe Cannon, and buried the ball into the empty net to give Chivas USA the lead.
The Galaxy came out of the locker room looking to equalize right out of the gate. In the opening moments of the second half the Galaxy's Pete Vagenas unleashed a shot from 20 yards out that sailed just over the crossbar.
In the 50th minute, the Galaxy found the tying goal they were looking for. A cross came in from the left wing, and Claudio Suarez tried to head clear, but the ball only went as far as Donovan, right at the top of the penalty area. He took a touch to bring the ball under control and then fired a low shot to Guzan's right inside the post as the 'keeper seemed to be unsighted with the bodies in front of him.
The goal ignited the Galaxy attack and just moments later a deft heel flick by Donovan allowed Kevin Harmse plenty of space to dribble through in the middle of the park. The Canadian international closed in on the defense then laid the ball off for Nate Jaqua. Jaqua fired toward the near post, but missed high.
The Galaxy offense cooled down just as quickly as it had heated up. Both teams regressed to trading the ball back and forth in midfield without generating much of an attack. In the 79th minute, the stalemate was broken when Francisco Mendoza played a pinpoint cross to Razov from the left. But though he was completely unmarked, Razov seemed to have too much time and space to work with and put his header over the crossbar from six yards out.
In the closing moments of the second half Los Angeles nearly stole the full compliment of points. Substitute Santino Quaranta picked out Kyle Martino with a long switch. Martino used his first touch to send the ball back across the box for a streaking Donovan, but Guzan kicked away the Galaxy goal scorer's effort before he was really able to pick out a target.
That was the last quality scoring chance of the game for either side as the 1-1 final score was a just result. Neither team took control of the match, and the spirit that fans have grown accustomed to in the Super Clasico never really materialized.
The Galaxy will next play Glasgow Rangers in a friendly on Wednesday before returning to MLS action against the Colorado Rapids at their new home Dick's Sporting Goods Park, while Chivas USA plays host to FC Dallas next Saturday.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
