By Alex Baker
(Carson, CA) A brace from Ireland striker Robbie Keane helped the LA Galaxy arrest a losing streak that saw them defeated by Real Salt Lake in their home opener and eliminated from the CONCOCAF Champions League by Toronto FC in the space of one week.
After a scoreless first 45 minutes, in which the Galaxy appeared to squander several chances, midfielder Mike Magee headed the ball across the mouth of goal for Keane who neatly slotted it past DC United keeper Joe Willis to make it 1-0 in first half extra time.
Keane doubled his tally in the second half when he received a cross from Landon Donovan and sliced it to the far corner from the edge of the box, making it 2-0 in the 69th.
Second half substitute Marcelo Sarvas put the icing on the cake in 86th minute when he connected to a ball from David Beckham and headed it between Willis and the near post to make it 3-0.
The Galaxy had barely finished celebrating the Brazilian’s goal. when DC hit on the counter and pulled one back in the 87th minute courtesy of a strike from midfielder Nick DeLeon. However for DC United, it was too little, too late and when the final whistle was blown after three minutes of stoppage time, the reigning MLS Champions emerged with a 3-1 win and their first three points of the new season.
The Galaxy now have thirteen days off before their next match, which will provide them with a valuable opportunity to train together as a team. While the Galaxy have depth in the attack and have demonstrated an ability to score goals, head coach Bruce Arena must surely be concerned with shoring up a defense that has looked shaky without the Gibraltar-like presence of Omar Gonzalez.
Gonzalez was injured in training while on loan to Bundesliga side FC Nuremburg and will be out until at least midsummer.
The Galaxy next take on the New England Revolution at the Home Depot Center on March 31.
