The Los Angeles Galaxy are in the midst of a nine game winning streak, and have secured another MLS playoff berth-- almost a foregone conclusion for the team in recent seasons. Relatively lost in the team's successful season has been the improved play from goalkeeper Jaime Penedo.

The storylines around the Galaxy's season have been plentiful: The team rallying around A.J. DeLaGarza following the tragic death of his son Luca, Landon Donovan setting MLS records in his final season, and an MVP caliber effort from Robbie Keane. Under the radar of those major plots has been Penedo's solid play in goal.

Manager Bruce Arena spoke on Penedo following the Galaxy's 4-0 win over the New York Red Bulls Sunday:

He's improved. I think over the last six weeks he's played very well. Tonight, I think he made a bunch of key saves in the first half to prevent the Red Bulls from getting back into the game. Like everyone else [Jaime had to improve] a little bit in every area. He's just gotten better. His confidence has improved. His feet have gotten better. He's very good coming off his line a couple of plays tonight.

Penedo's first half effort allowed the Galaxy to remain in front before pulling away with three second half goals. He left his line to halt the one-on-one efforts of New York forward Bradley Wright-Phillips twice in the first half hour of the match. Just before the end of the first 45 minutes Penedo also prevented a shot marked for goal off the foot of Eric Alexander.

The much needed turn around has come at the right time for the Galaxy. Following a dreadful stretch in the middle of August that saw Penedo surrender 10 goals in four matches he has rebounded with two goals against, and three clean sheets in his last five matches.

Penedo seemed to find his form following a three match performance in the Copa CentroAmericana for his native Panama. Penedo took home the Golden Glove as the tournaments best goalkeeper, and Panama placed third in the competition. "He came back I think refreshed and refocused, but he's really made an effort the whole season to try and get better" said Galaxy goalkeeper coach Matt Reis.

The effort Reis spoke of has not been lost on Penedo's teammates, Arena or Galaxy supporters. The Galaxy are headed to the playoffs, and a Supporters' Shield is within reach, thanks to the Panamanian's recent play. The impending retirement of the iconic Donovan, and stellar play by Keane have grabbed headlines, but Penedo's improvement in goal may net a fifth MLS Cup for the Galaxy.