FC Dallas are Western Conference champions after a sensational win over the LA Galaxy.
LA Galaxy were resoundingly defeated 0-3 by FC Dallas at the Home Depot Center in the Western Conference Final. The victors confidently booked their place in the MLS Cup final against Colorado, with an impressive away win against tough competition.
The Galaxy got off to a positive start in the first half taking numerous shots on goal. Dallas keeper Hartman was magnificent and the undisputed man of the match as he kept his side in the game. Hartman successfully kept the Galaxy goalless in spite of several very close calls.
Teammate and midfielder Ferreira controlled the tempo and kept LA struggling to keep possession. Ferreira scored in the 26th minute from the edge of the goal area, after superb passing play from a very attack-minded Dallas team.
LA had no answer to the midfield battle, with Kovalenko handed a yellow card after a string of cynical tackles. The second half arrived and Dallas continued their all-out attack, with a second goal scored by John in the 54th minute.
The Galaxy’s only tactic appeared to be to win a free-kick and get Beckham to bend the ball. The midfielder had a textbook direct kick placed perfectly saved by the magnificent Hartman.
Dallas struck the finishing blow in the 73rd minute with a skilful goal from Chavez. Ricketts had a miserable time in goal, and his defenders were guilty of giving their opponents too much room in the box.
LA kept trying to get the ball to Buddle, but his teammates did not help him crowd the keeper in the same way Dallas did at the other end.
The visitors had little attacking depth, but they made the most of what they had. Ultimately, LA may have been suffering from fatigue, because their defense and midfield seemed out of sorts. Dallas obviously played better, and will now approach the finals confident they have beaten two of the best MLS teams in Real Salt Lake and LA to earn their place.
The Galaxy got off to a positive start in the first half taking numerous shots on goal. Dallas keeper Hartman was magnificent and the undisputed man of the match as he kept his side in the game. Hartman successfully kept the Galaxy goalless in spite of several very close calls.
Teammate and midfielder Ferreira controlled the tempo and kept LA struggling to keep possession. Ferreira scored in the 26th minute from the edge of the goal area, after superb passing play from a very attack-minded Dallas team.
LA had no answer to the midfield battle, with Kovalenko handed a yellow card after a string of cynical tackles. The second half arrived and Dallas continued their all-out attack, with a second goal scored by John in the 54th minute.
The Galaxy’s only tactic appeared to be to win a free-kick and get Beckham to bend the ball. The midfielder had a textbook direct kick placed perfectly saved by the magnificent Hartman.
Dallas struck the finishing blow in the 73rd minute with a skilful goal from Chavez. Ricketts had a miserable time in goal, and his defenders were guilty of giving their opponents too much room in the box.
LA kept trying to get the ball to Buddle, but his teammates did not help him crowd the keeper in the same way Dallas did at the other end.
The visitors had little attacking depth, but they made the most of what they had. Ultimately, LA may have been suffering from fatigue, because their defense and midfield seemed out of sorts. Dallas obviously played better, and will now approach the finals confident they have beaten two of the best MLS teams in Real Salt Lake and LA to earn their place.
