CARSON, Calif. – New England scored two goals in the first 13 minutes, stunning the host LA Galaxy early en route to a 3-1 win at The Home Depot Center on Saturday night.
It was that quick flurry which set the tone, backing the defending MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield champs into a corner they never quite got out of.
OPTA Chalkboard: Galaxy sleepwalk through the first half
After Robbie Keane spurned a clear chance, Rowe made LA pay when he found the back of the net in the 10th minute.
Shalrie Joseph found the rookie in the penalty area with a pinpoint cross from the left flank. Rowe split the LA defense and tested Galaxy 'keeper Josh Saunders, who could only parry the shot back directly into Rowe’s feet. The UCLA product latched onto the rebound and buried it – the first goal of his pro career – to give the visitors a surprising lead.
Still reeling from the first goal, the Galaxy yielded more space in the box just minutes later. Kevin Alston found Tierney on the left side of the area and the defender ripped a ball past Saunders for the stunning 2-0 advantage.
David Beckham nearly got the hosts to within a goal just before the half. His free kick bounced in front of the goal, but Revs 'keeper Matt Reis got enough of the ball to deflect it up and off the crossbar moments before the whistle blew.
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena made a pair of tactical substitutions to start the second half, sitting Beckham and Marcelo Sarvas in favor of Michael Stephens and Mike Magee. Slowed by injury, Magee trotted out on the left side of the field in the second half while Stephens played centrally.
It didn’t work. The Revs put the game on ice in the 65th minute when Ryan Guy found Saer Sene in front of goal. Sene got between Andrew Boyens and Todd Dunivant at the back post, and found enough room to head home his second goal in as many games.
Keane cut into the Revs' lead in the 78th minute when Buddle played him a brilliant through ball. The Ireland captain broke past the New England defense, danced around Reis and slipped it into the back of the net for his third of the year.
The goal only gave the Galaxy faint hope which ultimately fizzled out as the Revs closed out the match with the victory.
For the Galaxy (1-2-0), this is their second loss in three league matches – all at home – and third in their last four games across all competitions. They hit the road next weekend, playing at high-flying Sporting KC on April 7.
The Revolution (2-2-0), meanwhile, travel to FC Dallas for a Thursday night showdown.
HIGHLIGHTS: LA vs NE
