Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids: 6 Things We Learned

Strong start, furious comeback, tense and thrilling finish. That summed up the 2-1 victory over Oscar Pareja's Colorado Rapids for Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. on Saturday.

An own goal from Marvell Wynne combined with a strike from Landon Donovan was more than enough to  hold off a furious second-half rally by Omar Cummings, highlighted by a possible Save of the Week by Galaxy netminder Josh Saunders.

No matter what the outcome, there are lessons to be learned and facts to be realized. Here are six of them.

1. Omar Cummings Is Not the Best PK Taker in the World

The most obvious thing the fans learned on Saturday night: don't let Omar Cummings take penalties.

Here is where the Rapids were missing Conor Casey due to strep throat, and his ability to finish spot kicks.

The attempt from Cummings was hit with very little confidence and was predictable enough for Saunders to guess correctly. A little bit more pace and power, and the points are split.

This leads to the second thing we learned...

2. Breakthrough Night for Josh Saunders

Now, to be fair, Saunders didn't have a perfect game. He did give up a 63rd-minute blast from Cummings but was smart enough to not let it happen again.

If at first you don't succeed, save and save again. And that is what Saunders did in closing out the match with authority.

Saunders only made three saves all match, but the last one was clutch as clutch can get. This is how LA won matches on the road last year: the performances of Saunders. A breakthrough night indeed.

3. Stats Don't Matter, the Score Does

If this match was determined on stats alone, this would be three points in the bag for the Rapids.

After all, they had more attempts on goal (14 to 11), had more open-play crosses (21 to seven) and corners (four to two), were more accurate with their passing (82 percent to 70 percent), and controlled the possession battle (62.3 percent to 37.7 percent).

However, in the game of football, it's all about the scoreline, and a poor defensive display in the first half from Colorado, combined with clutch defending from Los Angeles, renders these stats moot.

4. Not the Best Officiating from Ramon Hernandez

Ramon Hernandez was the referee in charge of the match, and while he did acquit himself in the first half, the penalty won by Andre Akpan was evidence of Hernandez attempting to give a home-field advantage handicap of some sorts to the Rapids.

Impartiality is the hallmark of a good referee. Ramon Hernandez is no Ricardo Salazar, that's for sure.

5. Knocks to Beckham, Magee and Juninho Put LA's Health in Question

A big question that will be asked in the days ahead is whether or not David Beckham, Mike Magee and/or Juninho will be available for next week's important tie with FC Dallas at the Home Depot Center.

Beckham was able to finish the game without relief, but Magee and Juninho were subbed after getting challenged hard by Colorado's defense.

The health of these three players will be critical to the Galaxy's chances to achieve their third consecutive win.

6. The Clean Sheet Will Have to Wait for at Least Another Week

The hallmark of a great team is the ability to pick up shutout wins every now and then.

While the Los Angeles Galaxy have been doing enough to win games and hold on for hard-fought victories on the road, they lack a back line capable of fending off breakaway plays for goals due to a lack of speed.

The Galaxy are capable of shutting out an opponent at least once this year. But when that will happen is up to the football gods to decide. One thing's for sure: it's not this week.