The Los Angeles Galaxy continued their dominance of the Honda Super Clasico with a 3-1 victory against Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center on Saturday night. The Galaxy ran their league record against their in-stadium rivals to 7-1-1 thanks to a one goal and two assist effort by Landon Donovan.
But it was Kevin Harmse who scored the game winner in the 17th minute of play. Harmse is a Canadian international who made his first MLS start on Saturday, and he couldn't have picked a better time to notch his first MLS goal. Harmse was definitely a presence in the first half, and Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop had nothing but praise for the 22-year-old midfielder.
"We had a lot of young players out tonight and I don't think they realize how hard it is to be a full professional in this league. Kevin showed glimpses of what he could do. He did tire a bit," said Yallop. "Kevin is a player that will grow and grow as a professional. He showed glimpses -- especially the goal was great. When he plays the simple game and bursts once in a while he's very effective in that role."
The goal was a work of art. It developed from a throw-in, then Harmse dribbled into space before working a textbook give-and-go with Donovan. A quick explosion of speed coupled with a good return pass turned Harmse loose on Brad Guzan, and he made no mistake with his finish.
"I received the ball in the midfield, gave a quick touch to Donovan. It was a great ball back, and the rest was history," said Harmse. "The goalie stood on his line a bit so I hit it as quick as I could because I felt the defender closing down."
The goal came moments after Galaxy 'keeper Joe Cannon made a series of crucial saves to keep his team in the lead early, stopping what looked to be two sure goals in succession. It was his play that allowed the Galaxy the freedom to go forward in search of goals.
"That's why Joe is here. He's just such a presence," said Donovan. "I'm not even a defender, and as a forward there's such a security net there that he's going to make the big saves."
Donovan also had a few words of praise for Harmse. "(It was) a great run from Harmsy and a great finish from our defensive midfielder. The kid's going to be pretty good."
One of the first players to run up to Harmse after his goal was fellow Canadian Ante Jazic. Jazic made a habit of getting forward on the night, and couldn't have been any happier for his young countryman.
"I'm happy for him. Ever since he came in he's done really well for us," said Jazic. "I thought he played well while he was fit. He's not totally match fit yet. I think he'll be a steal for us this year; he'll be a dark horse. It helps that he's Canadian too."
After Harmse's goal, the game seemed to balance out. The action certainly complimented the atmosphere, and the Galaxy offense finally showed signs of what Yallop has been trying to develop. Donovan's goal in the eighth minute really opened things up for Los Angeles, and that spelled the difference on the night.
"We got a good start to the match, for a change for us. I think it was the sort of game that Chivas played very well in. We had chances to score more goals, but they had chances too," said Yallop. "It's just nice to get a win. We've got a lot of work to do. Not playing for 16 days hurts you, and I think it showed in the second half."
The Galaxy have another long layoff before their next league contest. It will be hard to maintain game fitness, but Saturday's 3-1 win could well serve as a preview for what Galaxy fans are hoping to be a turnaround from last year's disappointment.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
