Landon Donovan and the L.A. Galaxy came to play a match against the KC Wizards on a wet, cool night at the Community America Ball Park. The evening once again showed that the KC Wizards are a team that should be respected around the league as they were the first team to shut the Galaxy out, as well as cause them to lose points.
As always the Wizards opponents enter the match hoping to physically dominate the Wizards but once again the Wizards proved they could handle a physical match. The Galaxy collected 17 fouls, while the Wizards only collected 4; the Galaxy also managed to get 3 of their players booked with yellow cards, while the Wizards only had 1 player booked.
The defense of the Wizards proved they could hold anyone, as league leading scorer Edson Buddle was held scoreless for the first time this year. Despite the inspiring performance by the defense, the Wizards offence was unable to capitalize on any scoring chances and would play to a 0-0 tie with the Galaxy.
Image not recoveredThe Wizards did manage to make the Galaxy play defense much of the game with pressure high up the field. The Wizards would have their chances to score, but Kei Kamara missed a golden chance and Galaxy’s Donovan Ricketts made a handful of timely saves to preserve the draw. The Galaxy failed to win for the first time this season and are now 4-0-1 while Kansas City moves to 2-1-1 and remained undefeated at home in 2010.
The Wizard’s best chance to take the lead would come around the 17th minute when Kei Kamara would have clear shot on goal but slipped on the goal line with nothing standing between him and his third goal of the young season. Davy Arnaud was able to get behind the Galaxy defense, however, his shot was deflected by Donovan Ricketts and bounced off the post, the ball was left flirting with going into the goal, but needed a little more help, however Kamara would lose his footing on the wet turf, and miss the shot, something he would call one of the most disappointing events in his career
The rest of the game would be a battle between the two teams as they would fight for the upper hand, however both teams would have to settle for a draw. The match once again showed that the Wizards are now able to compete with the top teams in the league, however tonight proved that once again the Wizards still have some work to do. Sunil Chhetri did not suit up for this game.
Notables Events:
Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts faced six shots on target from the Wizards in tonight’s game, the same amount he has faced over the previous four games with the Galaxy in 2010.
Chris Klein came on as a 75th minute substitute for the Galaxy. The midfielder spent the first eight years of his career with Kansas City, winning the 2000 MLS Cup, 2000 Supporters’ Shield and the 2004 U.S. Open Cup in his time with the Wizards.
The Wizards have out-shot every opponent they have played so far this season, with a 12-11 advantage in tonight’s game.
Los Angeles Galaxy (4-0-1) vs. Kansas City Wizards (2-1-1) Venue: Community America Ball Park - April 24, 2010
Scoring Summary: None
Los Angeles Galaxy: Donovan Ricketts, Gregg Berhalter, A.J. DeLaGarza, Omar Gonzalez, Todd Dunivant, Michael Stephens, Christopher Birchall (Jovan Kirovski 68'), Juninho (Chris Klein 75'), Landon Donovan, Mike Magee (Alan Gordon 82'), Edson Buddle.
Kansas City Wizards: Jimmy Nielsen, Michael Harrington, Matt Besler, Pablo Escobar (Aaron Hohlbein 69'), Roger Espinoza, Davy Arnaud, Jack Jewsbury, Stephane Auvray, Ryan Smith, Kei Kamara (Birahim Diop 83'), Josh Wolff (Chance Myers 80').
Misconduct Summary: LA - Juninho (caution; Reckless Tackle) 35'
LA - Christopher Birchall (caution; Reckless Foul) 57'
KC - Davy Arnaud (caution; Reckless Tackle) 74'
LA - Edson Buddle (caution; Tactical Foul) 90+4'
Kory Buys writes for footballkerala.com
From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Sunday 25 April 2010, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.