LA Galaxy Lead MLS in Long Range Shots

Opta Sports tweeted out earlier that the LA Galaxy "now have 14 goals outside the box in MLS 2012, three more than any other team thus far." It's an example of the Galaxy's range but, now with Christian Wilhelmsson adding to the Galaxy's total goals outside the box on Friday, it's also a key element of the Galaxy's success this year.

As you might expect, the Galaxy leader in goals outside the box is David Beckham. All seven of Beckham's goals this year have come from outside the penalty area. Seven is Beckham's highest goal total in MLS, and that deadly accurate right foot has lifted up a Galaxy team that started out flat and manic.

The other habitual scorer from outside the penalty area also shouldn't be a surprise. Juninho has been sending home long balls for as long as he's been with the Galaxy. He has three such goals this year, out of five total goals scored. Juninho and Beckham are third and fourth on the team in goals scored, combining for ten goals outside the box.

There are four other outside the box scorers: Mike Magee, Landon Donovan, Jose Villarreal, and of course Christian Wilhelmsson; all with one goal each. With only one of his nine goals coming from outside the box, and none of Keane's 12, the difference in style between the two forwards and Beckham is obvious. However, it's having two great options in the middle from long range that frees up that space for Keane and Donovan to maneuver.