LA Galaxy Sink Herediano to Secure a Spot in CONCACAF Semifinals

The Los Angeles Galaxy secured a 4-1 victory over Costa Rican side Herediano to secure a spot in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League.

This is the first time in the club's history that they have made it to this stage of the tournament.

The atmosphere at the Home Depot Center was marvelous throughout the night. The visitors brought a sizable amount of support, but the home fans' enthusiasm dominated the entire 90 minutes.

Omar Gonzalez opened the scoring for the Galaxy on a set piece that came after Bruce Arena's side bossed the early minutes.

Similar to their season opener against the Chicago Fire, Robbie Keane and his colleagues found a way to control possession without letting the visitors ever truly threaten.

Gonzalez, Keane, Jack McBean and Jose Villarreal would all put the ball in the net by the time the night was over. 

The outstanding play of Villarreal, who held the ball up well and took his chance marvelously, was one of the many positives to take from the match. 

Galaxy goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini seemed much more relaxed than he did against Chicago. His command of the penalty area was improved and it appears as though the relationship between him and his defenders is going to do nothing but get better.

McBean was another bright spot for the Galaxy. The midfielder came on in the closing minutes and scored a fantastic goal just seconds from time.

The depth of the Galaxy is going to serve them well as the season endures.

Unfortunately the home side did have a brief lapse, allowing Herediano to score a well-taken goal to make it 3-1.

This goal is cause for concern primarily because the defending was non-existent.

Even so, the Galaxy played a fantastic 90 minutes, and they will go into this Sunday's L.A. Derby with a superb amount of confidence.