CARSON, Calif. - Maykel Galindo scored late in the first half but Landon Donovan answered early in the second half as Chivas USA and the Los Angeles Galaxy tied 1-1 at The Home Depot Center on Sunday afternoon in the second Super Clasico of the season.
Galindo scored in the 35th minute to give Chivas the lead, but Donovan's 50th-minute goal kept them from claiming their second win against the Galaxy in the series.
With the result, Chivas USA moves to eight points and remains three clear of the Galaxy. However, Chivas USA were unable to win for the fourth consecutive match.
Chivas USA defender Alex Zotinca was unavailable for the second consecutive match. Zotinca strained a hamstring during pre-game warm-ups a week ago and did not dress at all on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Paulo Nagamura made his third consecutive start for Chivas USA since joining the club in a trade with Toronto FC on May 4. Nagamura lined up alongside Jesse Marsch in the heart of the midfield.
Donovan nearly put the Galaxy up in the sixth minute when he broke in alone on Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan. From some 15 yards out, Donovan ripped a shot but Guzan, well off his line, had closed off any angle Donovan had. Guzan turned the shot away and the ball ricocheted off Donovan and went across the end line.
The Galaxy lost a key member of their side when right back Chris Albright was unable to continue due to a hamstring injury. Second-year defender Nathan Sturgis replaced him.
Galindo finally broke through in the 35th minute. Ante Razov knocked a right-footed ball through the Galaxy backline. Galindo raced past Galaxy defender Tyrone Marshall, rounded goalkeeper Joe Cannon in the penalty area and slipped the ball into an empty net.
It was Galindo's fourth goal of the season. That Galindo would even be in the starting lineup was in doubt entering the week. Galindo did not start against Columbus on May 12 because of a hamstring injury. After showing signs of improvement during the week, however, Galindo was deemed fit enough to start, a move that ultimately paid off.
Aside from his first-half goal, Galindo was active off the ball and helped create space for teammates in the Galaxy's defensive third.
Five minutes into the second half, though, Donovan found the back of the net. Galaxy midfielder Kevin Harmse lofted a ball into the center of the penalty area from the left wing. Claudio Suarez tried to clear the ball but instead it fell right to Donovan's feet. From just inside the penalty area, Donovan settled the ball and tucked it into the left corner of the net.
The goal was Donovan's fifth all-time against Chivas USA and gave the Galaxy some life momentarily. But the game seemed to hit a lull shortly afterward as neither side was dangerous in the opposing team's third.
Mendoza was the recipient of a rough challenge in the 57th minute as Galaxy defender Ty Harden knocked Mendoza to the ground. Harden was booked.
Galaxy rookie forward Robbie Findley came on for Cobi Jones midway through the second half. Shortly after coming on, Findley broke free on a Galaxy counterattack. He dribbled right down the center of the field though, and Suarez flattened the Galaxy attacker and squashed the attempt.
Razov missed an open header from eight yards out in the 79th minute. Mendoza whipped a cross to the front of the goal but Razov could not put the ball on frame though he was completely unmarked.
Matt Taylor replaced Razov moments later as Chivas USA coach Preki made his first call to the bench. In the 84th minute, Laurent Merlin replaced Galindo up top. Merlin had a breakaway moments after stepping on the field but could not control the ball inside the penalty area.
Guzan kept the Galaxy from scoring the potential game-winning goal. In the 90th minute, Kyle Martino centered a pass to Donovan. From six yards out, Donovan put a shot on goal that Guzan did well to kick clear.
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
