LA Galaxy dominate Vancouver Whitecaps 2-0

The LA Galaxy (11-5-7, 40 pts.) started strong with a fourth minute goal by Landon Donovan, then never looked back on their way to a 2-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps. Marcelo Sarvas scored the other goal, while Robbie Keane got both assists as he continues to adjust his game more toward distribution with Gyasi Zardes going all in as a target forward.

Right now the Galaxy are either in fourth or second depending on how one reads the standings. They're two points behind three teams that are all locked at 42 points. With a makeup game with DC United on Wednesday, a makeup match and the only one of the day, they could go into the weekend in first place.

It was a vintage LA effort where not only did they get the early goal and the clean sheet, but there's no evidence that Vancouver was ever able to press to get themselves back in the match. The Galaxy essentially imposed their will on the Whitecaps, and the British Columbian side just had to sit back and watch.

The three designated players were on point again, not only with Donovan and Keane taking over the attack but Omar Gonzalez controlled things on the back line. Partnered with Leonardo as Bruce Arena felt it was more important to remove Todd Dunivant, Gonzalez had 91 touches with eleven clearances and interceptions.

Juninho also returned to pair with Todd Dunivant, but instead of relieving Baggio Husidic it was Stefan Ishizaki who sat out after picking up a knock in Colorado. With the amount of possession they were able to corral the Galaxy essentially played a 3-4-3 with DeLaGarza level with Husidic all match and Landon Donovan pushing up to play with the forwards.

DC United come into Carson hot, so hopefully LA will be able to put together a first choice side with Robbie Rogers at left back and A.J. DeLaGarza central. It's Sean Franklin's first time facing his old team since he was allowed to move on.