Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo worried last week that the Los Angeles Galaxy’s big-market stars would somehow influence the refereeing in Saturday’s Western Conference final.
Landon Donovan, the biggest star in the Galaxy and perhaps the MLS, didn’t need any help.
The U.S. national team star bagged the crucial opening goal and added another in the waning minutes to steer the Galaxy to its fifth MLS Cup final with a 2-0 victory before 12,789 at Invesco Field at Mile High.
The Galaxy eliminated the Rapids from the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Los Angeles will play the winner of today’s Eastern Conference final between the New England Revolution and Chicago Fire next week at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.
It wasn’t a sterling performance by either team, but Donovan’s goal in the 28th minute shifted everything in the visitors’ favor. The Galaxy was able to drop back in numbers, allowing the Rapids possession but giving up few scoring chances.
Both teams were flat at times and squandered possession with late passes or long balls over the top that the opposition controlled.
“Win, lose or draw, it should have been a better effort,” Rapids defender Mike Petke said.
Clavijo credited the Galaxy for its win but lamented the loss of midfielder Alain Nkong, who was suspended following a controversial red card in the first-round series against FC Dallas.
Donovan’s game-winner came off a long run down the right side by veteran Cobi Jones, who shook Dedi Ben-Dayan and moved into open space. Donovan redirected Jones’ cross, punching the ball past goalkeeper Joe Cannon from near the 6-yard box.
“I think it shocked us a little bit,” Clavijo said. “We talked about Cobi Jones and Landon, but we just didn’t do the job.”
Said Petke: “(Jones) should have had two feet on him. We should have knocked him into the bleachers. But that’s experience there.”
Donovan said Jones’ ability to find the open space was the calling card of a savvy veteran.
“You don’t expect that from someone who is 35, 36?” Donovan said before being reminded Jones, a star of three World Cups, is only 34. “Oh, he looks older.”
The win was satisfying.
“On the road, we haven’t been good this year,” Donovan said. “We were playing OK, we just weren’t making plays that changed the game. We were just a couple steps away from doing the right thing.”
Donovan’s 13th and 14th playoff goals moved him into first place all-time, surpassing veteran Roy Lassiter.
“You take some risks by bringing in national team players, because they’re gone a lot,” Galaxy coach Steve Sampson said. “This time of year is when they really raise their level. The confidence those guys bring to this team is infectious.”
The Rapids finished the game with four strikers but forced Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman to make only one save in the waning minutes.
Colorado appeared to have tied the game in the 33rd minute on a corner kick, but Jean Philippe Peguero’s header was waved off because referee Brian Hall had not restarted play.
Los Angeles 1 1 – 2
Colorado 0 0 – 0
First half – 1, Los Angeles, Landon Donovan 3 (Cobi Jones, Chris Albright), 28th minute.
Second half – 2, Los Angeles, Landon Donovan 4 (unassisted), 88th minute.
Yellow cards – Pablo Mastroeni, Colorado, 22nd minute; Ugo Ihemelu, Los Angeles, 25th minute; Tyrone Marshall, Los Angeles, 71st minute.
Referees – Brian Hall. Assistant Referee-Thomas Supple, Nathan Clement. Fourth official – Abiodun Okulaja.
A – 12,789.
