Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps: 6 Things We Learned

If this isn't a good reason why Major League Soccer is a wonderful thing, nothing will be. Ten minutes away from full time, Martin Rennie's Vancouver Whitecaps were on their way to their first-ever victory over Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy.

Then the wheels fell off. Two goals in seven minutes salvaged a draw for Los Angeles, 2-2, at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver, B.C. With the draw, Los Angeles improve to 8-10-3 (27 points) and remain fifth in the MLS Western Conference.

Here are six things we learned from Wednesday night's tilt.

1. No Way! Jose!

As the old saying goes, "Nice work you did. You're gonna go far, kid." Actually, that's an Offspringism.

Offspringisms aside, Jose Villareal bails the Los Angeles Galaxy out of another tough defeat on the road with a great strike that was set up by David Beckham and Juninho in the 87th minute of play.

The goal came seconds after he earned his first-ever yellow card in MLS play. It was a night of firsts for the home-grown product.

2. Who Is Barry Robson? Now You Know.

Russell Berrisford of the Vancouver Sun had an indifferent reception to the signing of Vancouver designated player Barry Robson.

There are two things we learned about the Scottish international. First, he knows how to finish, as seen in his 27th-minute header from Korean defender Lee Young-Pyo.

The second thing we learned: He is a player that had so many chances to deliver the knockout blow to the Los Angeles Galaxy but failed. Some shots were wide, but a good deal were saved by the next person highlighted in this piece.

3. Josh Saunders, Clutch Late

Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders didn't have his best night, as he surrendered an early 2-0 lead at the break. However, Saunders made up for it by making four saves and frustrating Robson at critical points in the match, the biggest taking place in the second minute of stoppage time.

A little bit more consistency will be needed from Saunders when the Galaxy return home to host Chivas USA.

4. David Beckham Leaves an Impression Late

In spite of being unable to deliver on set pieces all night against the Vancouver Whitecaps, David Beckham pulled one back with a scorcher from Landon Donovan in the 81st minute. Then, in the 87th minute, he helped feed Villareal for his first-ever goal in Major League Soccer.

Four words: Par For The Course.

5. Los Angeles Dominates the Stats, but Not the Scoreline

The Galaxy were dominant in a number of departments: possession (57.1 percent to 42.9 percent), passing accuracy (85 percent to 80 percent), duels won (50 percent to 49 percent) and corner kicks (four to three).

Vancouver, however, had more shots on goal (14 to eight) and were in control for a majority of the match. 80 minutes of it, to be exact.

6. Los Angeles Remain Fifth in the West

The Galaxy remain fifth in the MLS Western Conference with an 8-10-3 record but face another difficult opponent to silence in Chivas USA.

The Goats are four points back of the Galaxy and have three games in hand. A victory for Chivas will not only give them the SuperClasico, but it will also put Los Angeles in a difficult situation in keeping hold of the final playoff spot in the West.

A match preview of this game will be posted later this week on Bleacher Report and the View from Victoria Street.