LA Galaxy and FC Dallas battle to draw

On a Sunday afternoon with perfect conditions, a second-string LA Galaxy battled FC Dallas to a draw in a lively season finale before the MLS Cup playoffs kick off.

All three Designated Players Giovani dos Santos, Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard were rested by Bruce Arena in anticipation of next week.

The Galaxy were extremely lucky early on when a FC Dallas corner kick dropped to Atiba Harris from point-blank range, but his shot rattled the right post and bounced out. Later on Tesho Akindele found himself open inside the box, and only a AJ DeLaGarza clearance prevented what looked like another sure goal.

FC Dallas peppered Brian Rowe with shots in the first half, but the Galaxy enjoyed plenty of possession. LA had a few chances off set pieces: Jelle Van Damme saw a corner kick all the way, but his diving header was unable to make good contact with the ball, then Landon Donovan located Mike Magee in the box off a restart, but again the service was just a bit high.

The Galaxy settled down in the second half but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Raul Mendiola did well to curl a cross from the right flank to a streaking Donovan, but his header was wide of the mark.

Arguably the Galaxy’s best chance came late when a trademark Jelle Van Damme long ball landed in the stride of Magee for a breakaway attempt, but with just Chris Seitz to beat, he mishit the shot and the opportunity went begging.

Finally, the ref blew the whistle and FC Dallas celebrated jubilantly, having won the Supporters’ Shield after Colorado and Houston tied.