The Los Angeles Galaxy rebounded well from their season opening defeat in Colorado, defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 on Thursday night at The Home Depot Center behind goals from Landon Donovan and David Beckham.
Galaxy head coach Ruud Gullit was forced into some moves due to injuries and suspensions, but there were still several other changes throughout the lineup -- and they had the desired effect.
Rookies Sean Franklin and Brandon McDonald made their professional debuts and Alan Gordon got the start up top for the Galaxy. In addition, the Galaxy adjusted their formation to a more traditional looking 4-4-2, with Gordon partnering Donovan in attack and Beckham wide on the right of a midfield that featured McDonald and Alvaro Pires centrally and rookie Ely Allen on the left.
After the Colorado game, the general consensus in the Galaxy locker room was that the team looked disorganized. The tactical adjustments Thursday led to a much better start for the Galaxy and a dominant performance in the first half.
"In the first game, we were all over the place, from the back to the midfield to up front. That's something that we've worked on the last two or three days," said Beckham. "It showed tonight. It showed that we worked hard on it. It pays off when you take that into a game."
Donovan echoed his teammate's sentiments following the game. In addition to the tactical change, the Galaxy certainly had a different persona as well, attacking from the outset and never looking like they were going to relinquish their hold on the match.
"We worked this week on one, a better attitude and two, tactically the way we were going to move and be during the game," said Donovan. "I think it paid off."
Gullit admitted that some changes were made in the lineup, but wasn't quite ready to admit that any wholesale alterations had been made.
"The only difference (tonight) was the strikers were playing beside each other, instead of behind each other," said Gullit. "It was a slight difference. If you play any kind of system and play like we played last week, you're going to lose."
Regardless, the Galaxy looked like a completely different team. The pedigree of both Donovan and Beckham was on display against San Jose. While the win was the result of a complete turnaround in all areas of the field, it was the star duo's performance that made the ultimate difference.
"It's great to score goals. Obviously I always enjoy scoring. Usually I'm on the other end where I'm assisting. But tonight, Landon assisted me and I assisted him," said Beckham. "Tonight was one of those nights where I scored. I'm happy, but I'm more happy with the team's performance."
The result should open some eyes around the league as well. The Galaxy moved very well off the ball and their passing opened up the San Jose backline for a bevy of chances. The partnership between Donovan and Beckham began paying dividends and it appears as though the pair is completely on the same page.
"The funny thing is, on Saturday we probably had two or three moments like that, but because it didn't come off people think that it just happened tonight," said Donovan. "We understand the game the same way and we see the game the same way. It makes it easy for both of us."
Donovan's goal came off of a well-weighted pass from Beckham over the top of the San Jose defense. Donovan beat Joe Cannon to the ball and chipped the ball into the back of the net. After the game, Donovan had this piece of advice for his former teammate and good friend.
"I feel bad for Joe, but that's the game," said Donovan. "He should stay on his line next time."
The Galaxy certainly looked like a completely different team, and the performance of some of the team's younger players could make Gullit's lineup selection difficult next week when LA faces Toronto. The Dutchman seemed to have simplified things a bit tactically, and against San Jose, that made all the difference.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
