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Galaxy Takes All Three Points in Houston with 1-0 win

@Moraphotography

The Los Angeles Galaxy came into the match against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium expecting to be the better of the two teams. And they were.

With LA completely dominating the match in Houston, the Dynamo knew it had to contain if it were to get any points out of this one. It took a fortunate block from Alan Gordon, but the Galaxy came out on top 1-0 on a hot afternoon in Texas.

The Galaxy lined up in need of a win to keep pace for a strong finish in the Western Conference standings with the playoffs just around the corner. With a well-balanced backline, considering Jelle van Damme was out with yellow card accumulation, and a makeshift midfield featuring Sebastian Lletget and Baggio Husidic in center midfield

Birthday boy Alan Gordon captained the Galaxy with Landon Donovan making his first start for LA since returning from retirement.

On paper and in the standings, the Galaxy is the better team, but old foes Houston did not let LA off easily.

Ema Boateng made quick work of the dynamo defense as the winger flew down the left flank but could not pick out Gio Dos Santos or Gordon in the box in what was LA’s best chance of the opening 20 minutes. The Dynamo had a chance of its own on a three-on-two break that started with Donovan getting caught in possession, but AJ DeLaGarza made the all-important interception to deny Houston a shooting opportunity.

LA began find some rhythm with Robbie Rogers getting forward from right back to cross in balls from the byline. The field began to open up as well, with players finding themselves in a lot of space with plenty of time on the ball.

Donovan cut into the box from the right flank and saw his shot deflected over the goal for a corner, which the 34-year-old took with no consequence. After a water break to battle the Houston heat, neither side showed any spark until late stoppage time when LA was denied twice by Willis as the half ended in a deadlock.

The Galaxy was the clear better side but was unfortunate to have nothing to show for its dominance.

In the second half, LA continued where it left off with majority possession and frustration was growing after chances were squandered over and over. Bruce Arena made a sub to add to the Galaxy’s attack by taking of Donovan and sending in Mike Magee.

Dos Santos looked eager to get a goal throughout the match and found himself inching closer and closer to grabbing an opener but it was the birthday boy who got the goal in the 72nd minute.

LA drove up the field with Magee leading the line. The substitute shot but Willis saved; however, Gordon followed up and blocked the clearance, forcing the ball over the line to put LA ahead.

 

Arena decided to get more defensive following the goal, bringing on Jeff Larentowicz for Sebastian Lletget. LA did not play defensive-minded, instead attacking with desire to get an insurance goal.

LA used the final substitution as the match entered five minutes of added time. Gordon was subbed off and LA Galaxy II phenomenon Ari Lassiter entered the match.

The Galaxy held on to take all three points to give LA a nice boost before the playoffs. The Galaxy play FC Dallas at StubHub Center on Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. PT in the final match of the regular season.

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