G to be a G: Galaxy win the MLS West over Houston

Jo-Ryan Salazar by Analyst Written on November 14, 2009
CARSON, CA - NOVEMBER 13:  Landon Donovan #10 of the Los Angeles Galaxy celebrates after the Galaxy defeated the Houston Dynamo in the MLS Western Conference Championship match 2-0 at The Home Depot Center on November 13, 2009 in Carson, California.  (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) Victor Decolongon/Getty Images

It's G to be a G. As in Good to be a Galaxy Supporter.

The Los Angeles Galaxy are now one victory away from hoisting their third MLS Cup with a 2-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

With the win, the Galaxy win the MLS Western Conference double-the regular season and playoff championships-both over the same opponent.

Not even two delays due to bad lighting and the perceived Friday the 13th superstition behind the controls could stop Bruce Arena's club from silencing the men of Dominic Kinnear.

In the 104th minute, a set piece from David Beckham saw Gregg Berhalter break the deadlock inside the penalty box off a series of deflections. But Landon Donovan's 17th playoff goal, a penalty in the 109th minute, sealed the deal.

Houston's Ricardo Clark fouled Alan Gordan inside the box, and Major League Soccer's all-time playoff leading scorer got Dynamo keeper Pat Onstad to go the wrong way.

The Dynamo will rue the wasted chances in the second half of regulation. In the 48th minute, Andrew Hainault's attempt from 30 yards out was denied by Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts. Ricketts also broke up a shot by Bryan Ching in the 79th minute.

Los Angeles had a chance to go on top early in the first half, but Stuart Holden cleared a chance for Donovan in the 25th minute of play.

The Dynamo conceded seven offsides in the contest. Houston won more corners than Los Angeles (nine to four), but were unable to capitalize on their chances.

The Galaxy will await the winner of the Eastern Conference Final between the Chicago Fire and Real Salt Lake. Kickoff for MLS Cup 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington is scheduled for November 22, 2009 at 8:30PM EST/5:30PM PST. ESPN will televise the match in English and Galavisión in Spanish.

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written on November 14, 2009 Sports

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