Toronto FC may have knocked the Los Angeles Galaxy out of the CONCACAF Champions League. However, our L.A. team had some great moments in the tournament. One of those moments was Landon Donovan's goal against Motagua on August 16, 2011 in the Group stage. Our Galaxy captain is nominated for the best goal of the 2011-2012 CONCACAF Champions League.
To begin their CCL adventure, the Galaxy played Motagua at the Home Depot Center. Adam Cristman put our side up with a goal in the 13th minute. Yet, it was Donovan's goal that really sealed the win. After David Beckham hoodwinked our opponent's defense, he crossed the ball to Donovan. The Galaxy captain chested it and then ripped the ball into the upper part of the net. The goal gave the Galaxy a 2-0 lead and set the tone for the rest of the group stage. We ended up taking the top spot in Group A and advanced to the quarterfinal.
Unlike the MLS AT&T goal of the week, the CCL Best Goal competition has 10 nominees. They are Alajuelense's Pablo Gabas for his free kick blast against the Galaxy on Sept. 22. Gabas is nominated again for his long range stunner against Morelia. Carlos D. Quintero from Santos is on the ballot for a low blast against Metapan. Toronto FC's Joao Plata got a nod for some fancy footwork in the match against FC Dallas. Santos player Aaron Gallindo impressed with his one-touch rocket and Metapan's Mark Lester Blanco is nominated for getting around several defenders before scoring. Monterrey's Aldo De Nigris, Neri Cardoz and Humberto Suazo are all nominated for some fine footwork.
I'd say Donovan's toughest competition is Gabas for his free kick goal and his other tally from about 40 yards out. I was equally impressed with Suazo's individual effort against Santos. Yet, Donovan exhibited great ball control and good judgment to score. It's a difficult choice.
After the Galaxy's tough start in 2012, this goal is a nice reminder of our prowess in front of the net. Donovan is very skilled, yet he has only scored twice in the 2012 regular season. I miss the Donovan who can finish and I hope to see these types of goals against Chivas USA on May 19 at the SuperClasico.
Voting runs until the end of the day on May 23. The results will be announced on May 25 on concacaf.com.
Melissa Matters is a long time Los Angeles resident and devoted Los Angeles Galaxy fan.
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