Match Impact Rating Real Talk: Robbie Keane Leads As DPs Shine Bright

Debates about the defensive performance aside, the Galaxy played really well on Saturday. They were pushing numbers forward, and had a relentless attack going which resulted in four goals in the span of fifteen minutes. It was brilliant to watch, and much of it came down to the three designated players.

The three best things a player can do on offense are score, set up a score, or earn a foul to set up a score. In other words, an offensive player should contribute in distribution, goal scoring, and ball possession. The three Galaxy DPs had ten such events in the offensive half of the field.

Robbie Keane had the highest match impact rating at 113.65. He laid off the ball for Beckham on the first goal, and then scored two of his own inside the goal area. He also won a free kick early in the match. David Beckham finished right behind him at 112.37. Beckham notched the other brace.

Landon Donovan had the one goal, assisted on Robbie Keane's first goal, and won the free kick that David Beckham converted for his second for a MIR of 102. The three designated players having this level of impact is exactly the sort of thing which makes the Galaxy capable of steamrolling teams when they catch fire.

The rest of the club combined only had two such events, which is less encouraging. Sean Franklin sent in the cross that resulted in Robbie Keane's second goal. Michael Stephens was the player fouled in the penalty box awarding the Galaxy a penalty and ultimately their third goal.

With a midweek game now on the docket, the Galaxy are going to need the other men on the pitch to step up and make an impact. There are plenty of capable players. And with the contracts Bruce Arena has been shedding as of late, it's likely the team is getting one more for the back half of the schedule.

Notes: If that's obtuse, Chad Barrett is currently training in Norway.