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Landon Donovan, the all-time leader in scoring, assists and second most capped player in USMNT history, to go along with MLS’ all-time top scorer, assists leader and playoff goals leader has added another distinction to his legacy: he’s now MLS’ all-time leader in playoff assists with 15.
The Galaxy mercilessly ended a careening Real Salt Lake season, the Claret and Cobalt having limped into the playoffs after collecting only three points from their final seven regular season games.
LA played without Steven Gerrard, who’s been recovering from a hamstring injury, and Robbie Keane started on the bench while regaining fitness himself. It was Keane’s replacement, Alan Gordon, who spearheaded LA’s early dominance.
The Galaxy jumped out to an early lead in the 14th minute, Donovan working some space on the right-hand side before crossing at dos Santos. The Mexican international provided an excellent flick and Gordon was on hand to finish.
BASH GOAL! #ThisIsLA pic.twitter.com/uVUb3IH8qt
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) October 27, 2016
RSL leveled after an inexplicable penalty call. Joao Plata gave the Salt Lake side genuine hope by putting a perfect penalty beyond Brian Rowe.
Less than ten minutes later, Emmanuel Boateng reasserted LA’s lead by dribbling through the heart of RSL’s defense. It was no less than LA deserved, RSL’s deficiencies throughout the season laid bare in late October.
Chop, chop. #ThisIsLA pic.twitter.com/bnwkHsOoUr
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) October 27, 2016
Boateng, a player who’s making a knack of scoring against RSL, then scored the devastating third goal in the 34th minute.
GET IN, EMA! https://t.co/eLV1K453s8 #ThisIsLA pic.twitter.com/uNKycbpALP
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) October 27, 2016
The second half was largely controlled by the Galaxy, and RSL exited the playoffs as meekly as they’d arrived.
Los Angeles will now face the Colorado Rapids in the Western Conference semifinals, a reuniting of old USMNT pals Donovan, Tim Howard and Jermaine Jones.
Follow me on Twitter: @ConmanFleming
