Another Big One
Frustrating Night for Donovan as Crew Secure a 2-0 Win over the Galaxy

By Gary Moody

COLUMBUS, OH - The best player in Major League Soccer was in Columbus Saturday night. No, we are not talking about David Beckham. He didn't travel with the team, missing the game with right ankle inflammation. We are talking about the captain of the Los Angeles Galaxy and the face of the U.S. Men's National Team, Landon Donovan.

What Beckham missed was a physical, back and forth match between the MLS elite. It proved to be a statement game for the Columbus Crew as they proved why they are the favorites for the Supporters' Shield. Columbus came through with a big victory even without star players Alejandro Moreno, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and Robbie Rogers. All would start on the substitute bench with only Moreno making an appearance in the 69th minute.

Donovan's performance was hampered by an aggressive Crew defense and a lack of support from his Galaxy teammates. "We had too many, too many guys that couldn't make simple plays. Simple passes, simple traps, just simple soccer plays that we didn't pull off tonight," Donovan stated after the match.

"We give them credit, they played hard, they played pretty well. But that is a team we should beat and we know that. It's frustrating," Donovan continued.

The entire match was considerably physical in nature and the slick playing surface made it that more difficult. Los Angeles committed 23 fouls to go along with 3 shots on goal. Columbus would be very active offensively, sending 11 shots toward the Galaxy goal.

Eddie Gaven was able to put the Crew on the board in the 33rd minute with a precise header just inside the post. Emmanuel Ekpo was credited with the assist for setting up the play with a solid cross. Gaven deserves most of the credit as the header came from a very awkward angle. It is clear that Gaven's game has progressed this season and that he has developed a knack for big plays.

Former Crew midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi let the game in the 34th minute with a groin injury; he was replaced by Jovan Kirovski. Halftime would come with the Crew protecting a 1-0 lead. The Galaxy were prepared to make it a fight to the finish. Fight is a good choice of words because no fewer than 7 yellow cards were issued in the second half.

Galaxy Head Coach Bruce Arena would send in Alan Gordon in relief of promising youngster A.J. DeLaGarza. It didn't do much to improve the L.A. defense or the offensive attack. The Crew continued to impress behind the speed of Venezuelan Emilio Renteria, who caused fits for the Galaxy's backline.

In his first MLS start, Renteria made several plays, including a breakaway in the 59th minute. Defender Eric Brunner started the attack with a rocket clearing that Renteria was able to run onto. Renteria made a move past a Galaxy defender before taking a shot at the goal. Los Angeles keeper Donovan Ricketts, one of the league's best at his position, was able to knock it away. Unfortunately for the Galaxy, Steven Lenhart was there to send the ball in with a light touch.

Los Angeles would try to make up some ground in the final 30 minutes. Arena would make some adjustments, including sending in veteran Eddie Lewis in the 62nd minute. However, he would have little impact on the game.

The match would end with the Crew feeling good about their chances in the postseason. It was another big performance for the club in a big game. The Crew's depth was tested, but each player rose to the challenge. The most impressive aspect of the match was taking Landon Donovan out of his comfort zone. He was under pressure the entire night and was never able to get in a rhythm.

The next matches for both clubs are challenging to say the least. The Galaxy will head home to face the Chicago Fire on Friday, October 2. The Crew will have two difficult home matches against Saprissa (Tuesday, September 29) and Seattle (Saturday, October 3). Facing a CONCACAF Champions League opponent and the U.S. Open Cup Champions in a single week is no easy task.

International Soccer Network's Man of the Match: FWD Emilio Renteria, Columbus Crew

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