Chivas USA Wins SuperClasico Matchup Over LA Galaxy

Landon Donovan and the LA Galaxy were outshined by former Philadelphia Union captain Danny Califf and Chivas USA, as the Goats won a match against the Galaxy for the first time since August 23rd, 2007. The win snapped a six match winning streak against Chivas for the Galaxy, and an eleven match unbeaten streak. The goal scored on the penalty kick was only the second goal Chivas has scored against the Galaxy in three years.

Taking a look at the chalkboard for this match, Marcelo Sarvas clocks in with the highest score at 118. He had one shot, off target wide left in the 2'. Taking over in David Beckham's central midfield spot, it was his distribution that made such an impact on the match. He had 53 successful passes, covering almost the entirety of the midfield, with only 11 unsuccessful passes. He won six tackles, intercepted five passes, and recovered eleven balls.

Unfortunately, all of Sarvas' good play was in a starting position. That is, he didn't have any key passes or successful crosses. That responsibility fell to Landon Donovan. He started out up top with Pat Noonan, but didn't look comfortable and came out in the second half in the midfield with Mike Magee up top. Donovan had five key passes, one from a corner and one from a free kick as those responsibilities fell to Donovan with Beckham out for most of the match.

So what went wrong? The only attempt on Kennedy in the first half came from Donovan third yards out, a right footed attempt that was right at Kennedy. In the second half, the best attempt came in the 51' with Pat Noonan shooting a right footed shot from the inside corner of the box. Kennedy made the save, but the rebound bounced to Kyle Nakzawa. His right footed attempt for the other corner was saved by an acrobatic move from Adam Kennedy.

And that was the match. Each team had a few good looks before Chivas lined up to take the penalty in the 72'. David Junior Lopes saving Jose Correa's attempt off the line with his arm was human reaction. Not much blame can be placed. Correa had to take the penalty twice, as Chivas came off the line early the first time, and both went in. It was evenly played, with neither team deserving their chances any more than the other. The goats simply put it in when the ball finally bounced their way.