Galaxy Get 1-0 Win In First Semifinal Matchup

By Connor Aylward
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Updated: October 30, 2016

Opening up the Western Conference semifinals the Los Angeles Galaxy took on the Colorado Rapids Sunday afternoon at the StubHub Center in Carson for leg one of the MLS Cup playoff series.

Los Angeles went with the same lineup they used in the knockout game against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday benching superstars Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard.

#LAGalaxy XI: Rowe; Rogers, Steres, Van Damme, Cole; Husidic, Lletget; Donovan, Dos Santos, Boateng; Gordon #LAvCOL pic.twitter.com/WYF6PupkUU

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) October 30, 2016

The Galaxy came out with all the momentum in the first 45 minutes. Using their attack as their best defense, the Galaxy were able to keep Colorado from putting many shots on goal.

Meanwhile the Galaxy winger pairing of Emmanuel Boateng and Landon Donovan were doing everything they could to keep the Rapids on their toes by switching wings constantly.

As far as I can tell, Ema Boateng and Landon Donovan are just switching flanks at will. #LAvCOL #RoamingDonovan

— Corner Of The Galaxy (@GalaxyPodcast) October 30, 2016

Alan Gordon was having himself quite a first half at the top of the formation as seemingly non-stop heading opportunities came his way. Gordon just wasn’t able to capitalize and find the back of the net on one of those chances and the half would end in a 0-0 draw.

The second half though saw the Galaxy start a little sluggish. United States International Jermaine Jones came off the bench for the Rapids and injected a bit of life into his club’s struggling attack.

In the 55th minute however Los Angeles Center Back Jelle Van Damme reminded all of the Galaxy faithful just how talented he is on both sides of the ball. Van Damme created the chance that gave his club the only goal of the day. A swift nutmeg and a pass put right on the head of Giovani Dos Santos led to the goal and gave the Galaxy a 1-0 lead.

What an assist from Jelle Van Damme 👏@LAGalaxy open up the scoring. #LAvCOL https://t.co/33wxvUd9eG

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 30, 2016

The rest of the second half saw the Galaxy trying to add onto that 1-0 lead by subbing in scoring stalwarts like Mike Magee and Robbie Keane but the always solid Rapids defense was able to bunker and hold on for the 1-0 defeat. Since the winner of this round will advance on aggregate goals, Los Angeles can advance if they hold Colorado scoreless at home in the next leg. It is important to remember however that this Rapids team has not lost at home all season.

The final leg of this semifinal round will take place Sunday November 6th in Colorado. The time of the match has yet to be determined by Major League Soccer so follow along with @CaliSportsnews on twitter for updates.

Stay with us at Calisportsnews.com as we will keep you up-to-date on all things LA Galaxy and the rest of the LA sports teams! All Cali, all the time!