For the first time this season, the Los Angeles Galaxy came from behind to win a game. Landon Donovan scored from the penalty spot and set up the game-winner as the Galaxy beat Kansas City 3-1 at The Home Depot Center, giving LA consecutive wins for the first time on the year.
Things didn't start out well though for LA. The boys from Victoria Street could have very easily been down within the first 30 seconds of the game, as Kansas City came out very aggressive and smothered the Galaxy's goal early on.
"There was a lot of irritation on the field, especially for the start because you see things slipping out of your hands," said Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit. "The first two minutes was ridiculous. We were giving the ball away. We looked nervous, and they were growing into the game."
The Galaxy did go into the locker room down a goal. Claudio Lopez weaved through the Galaxy defense before lacing a shot past Steve Cronin. Despite a few early chances for the Galaxy, the outcome was certainly in question.
But the Galaxy came out after the break and dominated possession. They outshot Kansas City 11-2 in the second half, and when Donovan scored from the penalty spot in the 54th minute, it sent LA on its way.
"The second half was a different team. I'm very proud of the way out players responded to the demands that I had," said Gullit. "The key factor today was that Landon Donovan played excellent. That was the key to the game to change it."
Gullit made one change right before halftime, bringing on Ely Allen for Joe Franchino. Then in the locker room, some other tactical adjustments were made.
"I probably can't repeat what (Gullit) said in the locker room, but you single some people out," said Chris Klein. "We all looked around the locker room and looked at ourselves. We all played a much better second half individually. We all know the type of player (Landon) is, but what he did for us offensively and defensively as well I think really proves the type of man that he is."
Still, the fact remains that Los Angeles played an inconsistent game. While the win felt good, questions were still being raised about the way the club started the game.
"We're shooting ourselves in the foot in some of these games by not finishing chances early and then giving up goals," said Donovan. "Coming from behind gets difficult, so we'd like to get that right. But I think the reaction by us tonight was good."
One thing that can't be faulted was the defense. For a unit that has been leaky at best for large parts of the season, things are starting to come together. Aside from one chance in the second half, the Galaxy back line shut down the Kansas City attack.
It's a sign things are progressing not only on the offensive side of the ball. The central defense partnership of rookie Sean Franklin and veteran Abel Xavier seems to be getting better and better each game.
"I've worked very hard with Abel (Xavier). I've tried to stimulate him by putting him on the bench," said Gullit. "I think he responded to it, and that gave me the green light to put him on the pitch. I think he responded very well tonight."
Even after LA went up a goal, through Edson Buddle's 74th-minute strike, the game could have gone either way. It wasn't until second-half stoppage time that the Galaxy put things away on a highlight reel goal from David Beckham.
Kansas City 'keeper Kevin Hartman had come all the way forward to help on a late corner kick as the Wizards chased the equalizer. When the ball popped loose, Beckham dribbled towards midfield, before lofting a 70-yard shot into the empty net.
"If he had missed that, his reputation would have been done," Gullit said with a wry smile.
The win not only was a good show of character for the Galaxy, but it also moved LA into first place in the Western Conference. The Galaxy are now the only team in the West with a winning record, and they will try to carry that success into their U.S. Open Cup qualifying match on Tuesday. That game will be another test of character, as LA will be without Donovan and Beckham, who will face off against each other at Wembley the next day in an international friendly.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
