Robbie Keane's first-half goal delivered the three points for the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday at CenturyLink Field with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders FC.
The LA Galaxy came into Seattle with just one road win this season. However, after captain Keane's clinical finish in the early minutes of the game. Then LA's goalkeeper Brian Rowe and the defense held their ground and frustrated the Sounders to a victory.
LA started the game on fire
The Galaxy ended the match with seven shots and four of them were placed on the target. Most of their offensive production came in the first half. By the time the halftime break arrived the Galaxy had created four shots and had three of those chances were placed on the target.
However, LA was able to leave the half with a crucial goal in the 15th minute. The play began when US international Gyasi Zardes received the ball near the left-hand side of the pitch. He eluded one defender with a quick display of footwork.
Zardes entered the penalty box and then rapidly released a key pass to an open Keane in the center of the box. The Irish international was making a run into the heart of the box, but his run placed him a little ahead of the ball.
The captain then displayed his class by dragging his left foot to smash the ball into the roof of the net to give the Galaxy an early 1-0 lead.
Keane sixth goal of the Major League Soccer season stunned the Sounders for a brief moment. The Galaxy had a few more chances to double their lead but Seattle's keeper Stefan Frei denied Los Angeles by making three saves to keep them stuck at one.
Seattle unleashes an endless barrage
After Los Angeles took the lead their offensive production began to decrease dramatically. The Rave Green responded by creating 22 shots in the game. Plus they controlled possession of the ball by ending the match with 61.7 percent.
However, the downfall of Seattle's effort was their accuracy when it came to their shots. Only five of their chances were on target. Rowe was able to stop almost of them, accept one. Late in the second half, Clint Dempsey fired a close range shot that was able to get past Rowe but the ball dinged off the left-hand post.
LA's backline stands it ground
Seattle kept on pushing and searching for the equalizer at home in front of a passionate crowd of more than 40,000. The defense and the midfield went on to complete 13 tackles; they won 47 duels and cleared the ball out of danger 39 times.
Plus Los Angeles also were not afraid to dish out a few fouls to slow down the Rave Green, the Galaxy ended the game with 13 fouls.
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The Sounders also attempted 29 crosses in the game, but the defense and Rowe were there to smother the opportunities. At the end, Seattle's Jordan Morris, Dempsy or Nelson Valdez was not able to break through.
Where do they stand?
The LA Galaxy with this result is still in fourth place with 29 points in the Western Conference. The Five Time MLS Cup Champions with a victory in their next match will propel them past third place Real Salt Lake if RSL loses or tie their next game.
The Sounders season has hit rock bottom with this defeat. The Rave Green is in the last place in the West with 17 points and a negative seven goal differential.
The once intimidating CenturyLink Field has now become a place where clubs look forward to playing at. So far this season the Rave Green have hosted nine times, and they have lost five of those matches. Saving the 2016 season might be out of reach for Seattle.
Who they face next?
The Galaxy will be heading back home on Friday as they host the Houston Dynamo at the StubHub Center. The Sounders will be staying put in Seattle as they welcome first place FC Dallas for a midweek clash on Wednesday.