The Los Angeles Galaxy got off to a great start but let the Colorado Rapids back into the game, before holding on for a 3-2 win Saturday night at The Home Depot Center.
Alvaro Pires, Edson Buddle and Ely Allen each scored for the Galaxy, who had a three-goal lead shortly after the second half began. But the Rapids countered with goals from Colin Clark and Herculez Gomez to create a tense final few minutes for the home side.
Colorado had to play in Chivas USA's shorts because one of their equipment bags was lost on the flight over to L.A. It seemed as though the Rapids left their defensive acumen at baggage claim also, as Los Angeles grabbed a quick lead.
In just the fourth minute, Chris Klein won a free kick deep on the right flank. David Beckham sent a trademark cross into the area that pinballed off of a couple of players before falling to Alvaro Pires. The Brazilian made no mistake from close range and poked home the opening goal.
Surprisingly, the fast start did little to energize either team, as possession was easily given away by both sides. When either team did manage to gain possession for any stretch of time, the movement off the ball wasn't sharp, resulting in few legitimate scoring chances for either team over the opening half-hour.
Finally in the 32nd minute, the Galaxy got another breakthrough. Abel Xavier played a ball over the top of the Rapids backline and Buddle outraced Colorado center back Facundo Erpen to the ball. From inside the area, Buddle blasted a sharply angled shot into the far side netting to double the Galaxy advantage.
The Galaxy came close to a third in the 39th minute. LA worked a throw-in to Beckham, who crossed the ball to the back post. Allen was lurking at the other end, but Preston Burpo was quick off his line to punch the ball clear.
Late in the half, Colorado finally showed some offensive intent. Clark sent a ball into the danger area along the ground and Conor Casey made a good run in the center of the box, but the ball just escaped his sliding effort.
The game turned ugly the closing moments of the half. Alan Gordon and Erpen were both challenging for a ball. As Erpen went down, he rolled over and kicked at Gordon's groin. Gordon reacted by stomping on Erpen, and was immediately shown a red card. Referee Kevin Stott noticed the initial kick by Erpen and showed the Argentinean red as well, reducing both sides to 10 men.
The Galaxy remained more the attacking team after the brush-up, and in stoppage time, forced a save from Burpo. On a series of corner kicks, Beckham eventually found the head of Buddle. Buddle managed to get his header on target, but Burpo stuck out a left glove and kept the Rapids within shouting distance.
Los Angeles got off to another quick start in the second half. Less than five minutes into the second stanza, Pete Vagenas slipped Ely Allen in alone on goal. The rookie curled the ball around Burpo from the top of the area, making the score 3-0 to the Galaxy.
To Colorado's credit, they didn't fold, and in the 54th minute they rattled the post. From a corner kick, Colorado maintained possession and the ball made its way to Tom McManus, the person who originally took the corner. McManus cut along the top of the area and unleashed a wicked shot that beat goalkeeper Steve Cronin, but not the crossbar.
Moments later, Los Angeles was on the attack again and Colorado's back line continued to let attackers get in behind them. It was Buddle who got slipped through this time and the Galaxy striker dribbled into the box and attempted to round Burpo. But as he cut the ball wide to set up his shot, a hustling Ugo Ihemelu caught up to the play and stole the ball away.
Colorado eventually pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute. Standing up his defender on the left side of the box, Omar Cummings picked out Clark at the top of the area. Clarke faked a shot and cut inside of Xavier, who slid right past the play. Unencumbered, Clark snuck a shot past Cronin at the back post to make the score 3-1.
The goal certainly energized the Colorado offense as the next two scoring chances went in their favor. The Rapids first got a shot from the boot of Cummings, who missed high. Then it was Clark's turn, who also shot just over the crossbar from inside the penalty area.
The Galaxy back four began breaking down, and nearly allowed Colorado to pull closer in the 80th minute. A Jacob Peterson cross was misplayed by Sean Franklin, allowing Christian Gomez to settle the ball inside the area. But the Argentinean fired his volley high from close range.
Two minutes later, Colorado did find that second goal. Clark sent a high ball into the area that the Galaxy had trouble clearing. Herculez Gomez, who came on in the second half, found the ball at his feet and punished his former team from close range.
Despite a tense final eight minutes plus some extended stoppage time, the Galaxy managed to cling to their lead. The three points put the Galaxy back on top of the Western Conference with a trip to expansion San Jose ahead next weekend.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
