MLS: LA Galaxy's Chad Barrett, Josh Saunders Shut Out Columbus Crew 1-0

Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Josh Saunders may not cut it when it comes to making saves in the CONCACAF Champions League. However, place the Puerto Rican international in a Major League Soccer match, and it’s a whole different story.

Saunders’s four saves, combined with a 93rd minute last-gasp volley from Chad Barrett, gave Bruce Arena’s Galaxy a 1-0 victory over Robert Warzycha’s Columbus Crew on Saturday night at Crew Stadium.

Barrett’s goal came off a save by William Hesmer on Landon Donovan, who made no mistake in tapping the volley home.

It was a night of full-fledged firepower, as Columbus had 14 attempts on goal, while Los Angeles had 17 attempts.

What makes this victory all the sweeter is that David Beckham was not available, Robbie Keane was watching from the sidelines and both Landon Donovan and Mike Magee came off the bench.

You talk about a side that wants to make amends for a disastrous display against Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, and you talk about tearing the hearts out of the Crew supporters and putting it in the biggest blender imaginable.

The victory gives Los Angeles some much-needed momentum, with a couple of key matches on the way this week.

The G's will have to put up with CONCACAF Champions League action with Monarcas Morelia on Wednesday (kickoff: 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel) and MLS play with Real Salt Lake on Saturday (7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Prime Ticket).

While the victory is, without question, a nice breath of fresh air, it is important that the Galaxy build on this and get a result next week.

Real Salt Lake lost to D.C. United this weekend and will be more than ready to go back on the rebound against Los Angeles.

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