The Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps, 3-0, on June 23 at the Home Depot Center. The win was the third consecutive victory for our side, all of which came this week. The shutout was second in three matches for the Galaxy.
As with previous meetings, this match was a complete victory for L.A. In three all-time matches against Vancouver, the Galaxy have shutout the Whitecaps three times in three wins and outscored them, 10-0. Vancouver was held to two shots on target and had three of their shots blocked. The usually stout Whitecaps defense was carved up by the Galaxy which fired off 18 shots, six of which were on target.
The Galaxy got goals from Mike Magee, Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan. Our side's captain also picked up an assist on Keane's goal. After a David Beckham corner kick, Magee opened the scoring with a 16th minute goal on a rebound following a mess in the penalty area. Donovan found Keane unmarked in the top of the area at the half hour mark. Keane sliced through defenders in the box and slotted his shot low past Vancouver keeper Joe Cannon. After Jay DeMerit's handball in the area once Keane turned him inside out, Donovan stepped up to the penalty spot and calmly scored his fifth goal of the season in the 41st minute.
Both Donovan and Magee have put together great outings in back-to-back matches. Magee has two goals and an assist while Donovan has three goals and two assists in the past two matches. Keane, playing in his first match after participating in Euro 2012, took five shots and scored his first goal since March 31. Keane also drew the penalty which Donovan converted. It was good to see him playing inspired soccer for our side again.
With nine points in three matches this week, the Galaxy have quickly left the Western Conference cellar. The only team as hot as the Galaxy are right now is D.C. United. The Galaxy have one more match in June to try to complete an unbeaten month: the California Clasico against the San Jose Earthquakes.
More from Patrick Johnston:
Galaxy vs. Whitecaps: L.A. looks for third win in a row
Landon Donovan, Galaxy defeat Real Salt Lake, 3-2
Galaxy changed formations against Timbers due to lack of depth
Source:
Stats from MLS Soccer.com
