Los Angeles Galaxy v. Chivas USA is always a must see game. Although most people don’t consider it a rivalry, based on the fact that LA (almost) always wins, the fans and players consider it a huge rivalry. Whenever these two play, they go all out. The first two meetings between the two were split, Chivas won the first match 1-0 and LA won the second match 3-1. After losing to Seattle Sounders last week, 4-0, this was a match that LA needed to win.

LA got off to a good start, they would’ve scored within the first ten minutes, if it hadn’t been for Chivas’ keeper, Dan Kennedy. This wouldn’t be his last great save of the night. LA finally scored their first goal in the 27th minute, thanks to Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan’s 1st assist of the night. This would be the only goal scored by either team and it was 1-0 at HT.

In the second half, Chivas started getting chances to equalize. It was a little nerve-wrecking watching because it felt like Chivas was going to score at any moment.  Finally, in the 64th minute, Juninho doubled LA’s lead, with another assist from Donovan. LA scored two more goals- Juninho and Omar Gonzalez, who scored his first goal since coming back from injury. The scoreline was a bit unfair to Dan Kennedy, who made 8 saves in the game. (!) Had it been any other (MLS) keeper, the score could’ve easily been 10-0, if not more. Yes, he does play for LA’s rival, but I have nothing but praise for him, week after week, he makes some incredible saves. In this game, he single handedly kept Chivas in the game.

Thanks to his four assists, Donovan was named MLS player of the week. Next up for LA is an away game against Columbus Crew. LA Galaxy fans will see a familiar face. Chris Birchall, former Galaxy player, will most likely get  a start against his former club.