MLS Playoffs Player Ratings: Chivas USA 2-2 LA Galaxy
Donovan Ricketts (GK) 7.5: Looked solid and determined between the sticks for the Galaxy. Made some big saves and the second goal wasn’t his fault.
Gregg Berhalter (D) 6.5: Ordinary in the back, wasn’t the main reason for Chivas’ goals, but the defense played by the Galaxy was quite disorganized the whole match.
Todd Dunivant (D) 6: Got up the pitch well and put some balls into the area, but his defense was lazy and could have done more to shut down the Chivas attack.
Omar Gonzalez (D) 5: His terrible back pass led to Galindo’s game-tying goal and was out of place on numerous occasions during the match.
Sean Franklin (D) 6: Franklin wasn’t at his best in this one as Chivas exploited the Galaxy back line more than they should have. Was caught ball watching a few times also.
David Beckham (M) 6.5: As always, put in his share of good balls, but wasn’t that influential for most of the match. Could have tracked back more as well.
Chris Birchall (M) 6: Did little in the middle of the park, but showed determination and willingness to get his hands dirty.
Dema Kovalenko (M) 6.5: Could have done more to help Donovan and Beckham bring things forward, but tackled well and pushed around the Chivas midfield.
Landon Donovan (F) 7.5: Scored the ultimate poachers goal to give the Galaxy the lead late in the first half, was influential up and down the pitch in making things happen for his team.
Mike Magee (F) 7: Another scrappy goal, Magee looked up to it in this one before being subbed early in the second half.
Edson Buddle (F) 6.5: Moved around the pitch well and held up the ball when needed. Did little more and was taken off in favor of Alan Gordon.
Subs
Eddie Lewis (M) 7: Came on for Magee and added some width to the Galaxy side and tossed in a couple nice balls for his team in the half an hour he was on the pitch.
Alan Gordon (F) 6: Had a few golden chances to make something happen up top for Los Angeles, but was wasteful when it came to the finish.
Chris Klein (M) N/A
Zach Thornton (GK) 7: Didn’t have a great deal to do in net, but was solid when the ball came to him. Both Galaxy goals were out of his control.
Carey Talley (D) 7: Was dogged as a fullback in this one, made some quality tackles and marked well for the whole match.
Jonathan Bornstein (D) 6.5: Made some good decisions and looked solid overall. Could have done better with the first Galaxy goal.
Ante Jazic (D) 6: Dealt well with Beckham and Donovan coming forward but made a few mistakes that allowed the Galaxy to spring forward.
Yamith Cuesta (D) 6: Was messy with his tackles and gave away the ball a few times. His mistakes led to Galaxy chances and one of the goals.
Marcelo Saragosa (M) 6.5: Had some menacing runs and played well with the rest of the Chivas midfield.
Paulo Nagamura (M) 7.5: One of the most dangerous players on the pitch for either side, Nagamura had multiple shots that tested Ricketts. Unlucky not to score.
Sacha Kljestan (M) 7: Did well controlling the middle of the pitch and had plenty of time on the ball. Was able to spread things around nicely with his vision and passing.
Michael Lahoud (M) 5.5: Was ineffective for most of the first half and was promptly subbed for the speedy Maykal Galindo at halftime.
Justin Braun (F) 6.5: Forced the Galaxy defense to make some mistakes but didn’t take many chances. Worked well when he spread things out wide.
Maicon Santos (F) 7: Got Chivas off to a screamer scoring in the fourth minute but wasn’t able to do much after that and was eventually subbed.
Subs
Maykel Galindo (F) 7.5: Was an instant factor when he came on at halftime, scoring the game-tying goal. Probably the best player for Chivas, despite only playing 45 minutes.
Jesus Padilla (F) N/A
Jorge Flores (D) N/A
Shane Evans, Goal.com
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