Recap: Los Angeles Powers Through to the Western Conference Finals

Despite giving up an early goal, the Los Angeles Galaxy were able to rally against a early dominating New York Red Bulls side to win the game 2-1. Los Angeles continues on to the Western Conference Finals 3-1 on aggregate.

First Half

The New York Red Bulls had nothing to lose going into last night's game. They had already given up a single away point and were coming off a bitter defeat to Los Angeles from the weekend prior. As such they needed to break into the game fast. Their prayers were answered in the fourth minute by Luke Rodgers who broke away from LA's backline and slotted the ball underneath Josh Saunders. New York went up 1-nil, bringing the two teams to a draw on aggregate.

The next 30 or so minutes was a largely New York Red Bulls affair with them constantly pressuring and looking for that second away goal to lift them ahead. In fact, LA only made two serious attempts. One by David Beckham in the 9th minute that sailed over the cross bar, and then another by Robbie Keane, who wound his way through the New York backline only to hit the post.

After the 30th or so minute Los Angeles really started to find their confidence and began controlling the game a little bit more. A long shot by Chris Birchall  in the 38th minute was deflected by Frank Rost to Robbie Keane who, again, just barely missed the chance to bring LA up to 1-1. Finally in the 42nd minute Mike Magee scored once again off a corner kick header bringing LA to 1-1 (2-1 on aggregate).

The first half would close out 1-1.

Second Half

The second half was far more subdued than the first. New York was desperate, once again, for another goal only this time is was to their disadvantage rather than advantage. Suddenly they could feel the clock bearing down on them. Their closest second half goal came from a fantastic Dane Richards cross to a streaking Luke Rodgers. The ball would have assuredly gotten to him had Landon Donovan not come all the way back to Saunder's net and deflected the ball out. Another Luke Rodgers break away would yield no goals for the East coast side.

Then in the 74th minute Red Bulls defender Roy Miller lost his cool and knocked Beckham down in the box giving away a penalty kick. Landon Donovan took the shot and converted it. Los Angeles went up 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate).

Los Angeles would ultimately win 2-1, continuing on to the Western Conference Finals (play off semi finals).