Goal Number One

Get off it, Ian. Donovan has always been good at setting up teammates. He was 2nd in assists in MLS last year - by 1. I'm sick of the lack of respect.

Right on Mag...I too looked forward to a Defense without Xavier, and looky what happened! Yippeeeee, now can some one accidentally hurt him in training so he stays off the pitch?? As for Gordo, easy on the boy, he can score, look at his results with the Timbers, yes I know its a different game in the "big" league but I think many of you fail to see his runs off the ball etc that open up the field and so on. Bottom line if Ruud likes his play than that works for me. A great showing, and a good win, hopefully we will see more of those at the HDC.

Frank and David, we share the same brain I think. I just posted my recap and then came here to read comments. :)

normally Klien concerns me at right back but he really showed heart in last nights game, well done. good pressure placed on SJ and with a couple quality touches 2-0. like everyone else has mentioned it could have and should have been 4-0, or 4-1. I thought there should have been a couple more yellow cards given out to SJ, but thats the way it goes. still Gordon worries me, he blew some good chances last night and I don't know if Rudd can beat into him quality touches, you kinda have or don't. Cronin looked better than the 1st game, but he still hesitates too much although he started coming out for the ball in the second half and looking more confident, so maybe that'll be improving. I say wicks, keep warming up on the sideline.

Happy sigh. :-) And on ESPN to boot.

Great game,especialy first half.
Beckham scored many goals like this in MU,he has very very good first touch...Gordon doesn't...that's why he missed it.
I like Donovan's runs,Allen should take part in them too.
Pires improved his game,despite being sometimes too selfish he dominated in the central midfield.
And yes, this is the rare case when red card helps. We looked better without X.

I was there too. Both goals were excellent. I'm glad Gullit went back to a more normal lineup, with Becks on right mid and Landy paired with Gordon. I'm also very glad he started Randolph, who was not perfect but played very well. I agree that Cronin looked much better and had some very impressive saves. I thought Gordon should have come out about 70 minutes in to be replaced by Buddle, but it didn't happen. Overall, a good performance. But we have yet to see how they can do against a non-expansion team. At least this victory gives hope and, hopefully, confidence.

Ruud talks about the game. He really liked Gordon's performance despite the missed scoring chances. Here it is...

http://sidelineviews.blogspot....

Great win!! SJ was unable to hold much possession and we were winning the majority of 50/50 balls. Pires and McDonald did a good job of keeping some the pressure off our back line (Vagenas didn't start or play. Woo hoo!). Franklin and Vanney both played well at CB. Kudos to Ruud for starting Franklin at CB! Cronin finally looked like he had some confidence in goal. This clean sheet will help his confidence for sure. Klein, Landy and Becks continue to work well together. Randolph and Allen have upped their games a notch. Gordon flubbed several chances in the box after several nice passes from Allen & Donovan. A healthy Ruiz might have converted those into 2 goals. Could have 4-0 or 4-1 - that disallowed SJ goal looked to be onside. Hopefully the G's can improve on this performance even further against Toronto on April 13th.

Agreed, great pass. On a platter for Becks.

If Alan Gordon knew what to do with the ball in front of the net we would be +1 on goal differential. That game could have easily been 5-0. I'm feeling much better. This almost made me forget about last Saturday's game.

I was at the game, Joe got a very welcome from the crowd.
Becks looked great it was nice to see his excitment after his goal.Loved the defence tonite, Franklin was great
and Cronin didn't have to play the ball much (thankfully). Overall great game especially after the last outing.

Folks, we can WIN!!! Our boys can come up with goals when they really, really need to. Excellent pressure-driven game from the LA Galaxy. They kept on the pressure and the counter-formation from the 5th or 6th minute and on. The first few minutes, I got so damn worried. They seemed confused and disoriented - and, I thought, "Dear frikkin' Jehosophat, please not again!". But, they took some minutes, grew some cahones... and, took back control. Excellent, Excellent crosses from David... Beautiful, exquisite passes from Landon... and, a fantastic, work-horse showing from Chris Klein. These three players made this game go back forward again and again. Our man, Alvaro - I'm glad he does not like to lose... Alvaro, you made us proud! Okay - what was with Mike Randolph and the jersey pulling? Really, in the MLS - after being in the club for a full year? LA Galaxy fans - do you agree with me with the fact that this game could have definitely, easily been 4 - 0. Why not? Because, our often-hurt, stubborn/lazy, clumsy Alan... completely BOTCHED two perfect goal scoring opportunities. What in "deep Mary's pocket, F%$#"!!! Okay, I have to calm myself back down... Our LA Galaxy did good... But, are they ready for the likes of Houston Dynamo, New England Revolution, DC United, and Kansas City Wizards? Yes, that's what I thought - give 'em more practice, drills, scrimmages, and stretching... It's going to be a "nail-biting, hair-pulling, swearing" journey this season.

that was a great setup from Donovan and quality finish from Beckham...........Gordon are you learning anything from these two players, sadly I don't think he is! Rudd's expression on his face after Gordon blowing some chances says it all!

Great ball, great touch. Is Becks teaching Landycakes how to pass?