Mile High City Sees an Inspired Galaxy Strike!

Sure we knew playing without Landon Donovan and Donovan Ricketts was going to be difficult. Sure we knew that younger players were going to have to step up and fill a role. But then we find out hours before kickoff that David Beckham wasn’t going to start, and in fact hadn’t even traveled with the team. Back Spasms had apparently done in David and left us to ponder a very shorthanded side looking for points at altitude and against the defending MLS Cup Champs!

So with Juan Pablo Angel and Miguel Lopez up top and a midfield of Juninho, Birchall, Stephens, and Magee, the Galaxy quickly pressed on the attack. With much of the possession and and the continuous pressure it was only a matter of time before the Galaxy found the net. But let’s remember that this team has yet to show the superb finishing skills of a champion.

What the Galaxy have shown plenty of in the 2011 season is hustle. Chris Birchall chased down a ball that was played toward the end line by Franklin. With the ball nearly going out for a goal kick, Chris was able to cross the ball dangerously toward the area. Streaking Colorado defender Drew Moor was quick on his reaction, but unfortunately found his intercepting run deflect the ball past his own keeper in the 25th minute.

But it was really the young Brazilian midfielder that put the Galaxy stamp on the game. Following a Colorado clearance of another dangerous ball from Chris Birchall, Juninho gathered the ball about 35 yards out, took one touch towards goal to settle it and unleashed a shot from close to thirty yards out. The ball rocketed across to the far post, beating Matt Pickens and providing yet another clip for the highlight reel for the 2nd year MLS player. If the last goal was “struck with no regard for humanity” this goal was hit with the precision of a craftsman. The tally had the additional benefit of putting the Galaxy up 2-0 just before halftime.

Not even a 64th minute goal from the Connor Casey and the return of Omar Cummings back from injury could get the Galaxy down. They simply responded! Todd Dunivant found substitute Chad Barrett for the easy put away and a 3-1 victory for the Galaxy on the road.

A complete effort for 90 minutes was what was needed, and that is exactly what we got. Juninho was a vital part of the mostly starless midfield. But hard work from Birchall and Todd Dunivant ensured the Galaxy continued their hold on the western conference and league standings. Clearly preparation for this week was handled expertly by the Galaxy coaching staff and executed flawlessly by the players on the field.

With 3 points gained the Galaxy once again kept ahead of both FC Dallas (6 pts back) and Seattle (9 pts back).

The Galaxy now travel back to the Bay Area as they prepare for a battle with, perpetual rivals, the San Jose Earthquakes.