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	<channel>		<title>RUWT? News</title>
		<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com</link>
		<description>RUWT? News for Los Angeles</description>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<copyright>Copyright 2006-2007 areyouwatchingthis.com</copyright>
		<lastBuildDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:11:49 GMT</lastBuildDate>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:11:49 GMT</pubDate>
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			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[LA Galaxy cancels postseason tour in Germany]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[CARSON, Calif.(AP) -- The Los Angeles Galaxy have canceled their
postseason tour in Germany, blaming the promoter for not meeting
obligations.

The Galaxy was scheduled to play FC Kaiserslautern of Germany's
second division on Thanksgiving Day and a second opponent on
Dec. 1, also in Germany.

Galaxy business operations president Tom Payne said promoter IMC
Group Inc. didn't perform its obligations under the contract.

A statement by Kaiserslautern on Thursday said the Galaxy
decided to scrap the entire tour after not getting another game
in Europe.

The Galaxy had been on postseason tours the previous two years.
The team plays Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup this weekend in
Seattle.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/135392-LA-Galaxy-cancels-postseason-tour-in-Germany</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/135392-LA-Galaxy-cancels-postseason-tour-in-Germany</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:13:15 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Real Salt Lake-Galaxy Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer

Real Salt Lake (11-12-7) at Los Angeles (12-6-12), 8:30 p.m. EDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) --  The only obstacle between David Beckham's Los
Angeles Galaxy and a Major League Soccer championship is an MLS
Cup opponent that barely made the playoffs after finishing the
regular season with a losing record.

Sure, it might sound like a simple Sunday in Seattle for
Beckham, Landon Donovan and the star-studded Galaxy. Yet Los
Angeles coach Bruce Arena is certain it'll be anything but easy
to finish off Real Salt Lake in the league final.

"I don't think any of us focus on who are the underdogs or
anything like that," Arena said Tuesday. "Very little separates
one team from the other. ... Let me tell you, Salt Lake was not
a team with a record of six more losses than wins this year or
something. They were a team that was right up there. They've
been a competitive team throughout the season."

The Galaxy and Real will travel to the Pacific Northwest later
in the week for the one-game culmination of the MLS season, with
Los Angeles looking to win its third league title in its record
sixth appearance in the championship. Salt Lake squeaked into
the playoffs' eighth seed at 11-12-7 before winning three
straight postseason games to make its first final.

"Wow, it sounds like we better not even go," said Real Salt Lake
coach Jason Kreis, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "We don't
even have a chance, do we?"

Nobody in either locker room expects a coronation for the
Galaxy, even after they finally meshed their star talent with
outstanding results. Los Angeles finished with the Western
Conference's best record despite a rocky start to the season
during which Beckham was booed by the home crowd during a
friendly against AC Milan for his elongated dalliance with that
Italian team.

"We've been growing as a team all year, and this is definitely
the culmination of that effort," said defender Gregg Berhalter,
who scored the extra-time winner - his first goal all season -
in last Friday's Western Conference final against Houston. "We
haven't given up on ourselves, and we've been plugging away when
a lot of people were saying we weren't that good of a team."

With Beckham playing the best soccer of his U.S. career while
Donovan rose to the top of the MLS playoff scoring charts, both
stars happily missed national team assignments this fall to
pursue the league title. Since that rocky homecoming in July,
Beckham has reclaimed most of the fan support he lost during his
elongated stint in Italy - even though he's headed back to AC
Milan in January.

"I think the reason (fans staying angry with Beckham) didn't
happen was because of the way David played and demonstrated he
cares about the LA Galaxy," said Arena, who will go for his
third league title after winning two with DC United in the
1990s.

"His performance has quieted his detractors," Arena said. "I
think that day against AC Milan in the exhibition, obviously
there were some frustrated fans, and things weren't perfect, but
I never felt David wouldn't be able to handle it. He's played
with the biggest clubs in the world. I thought he was able to
handle anything, and he's done that."

Real Salt Lake also opened the season under a spotlight. They
were a popular preseason pick to contend for the league title
after reaching the conference championship game last season, but
an early seven-match winless skid suggested Real was overrated -
even to Kreis, who blamed himself for his club's early struggles
with poor motivational ploys and faulty lineups.

"It was dire, and I think I contributed to that because I was
very overconfident," Kreis said. "I think I added to what was a
little bit of an underlying thing on the team that we were a bit
overconfident going into this season. We had been reading a bit
too much about how we would compete for a championship this
year, and we forgot the little things that got us here. We don't
have stars on our team, and we had got away from that a little
bit."

Salt Lake was the last side to make the eight-team MLS playoff
field, winning the tiebreaker with DC United and Colorado after
all three finished with 40 points apiece. Real's 11-12-7 record
wasn't spectacular, but it was good enough to get in - and since
then, they've won three straight matches to advance to their
first league final.

While European observers might scoff at the idea of crowning a
champion that couldn't even win more than it lost during league
play, the system works for Arena and MLS.

"No one cares what the rest of the world thinks," Arena said.
"We have a system here that's really an American sports
tradition here: playoffs. It's not that unique."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/134940-Real-Salt-Lake-Galaxy-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/134940-Real-Salt-Lake-Galaxy-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:44:41 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Galaxy headed to MLS Cup after 2-0 win over Dynamo]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[CARSON, Calif. (STATS) - After three seasons of losing,
melodrama and internal turmoil, the Los Angeles Galaxy will play
for Major League Soccer's championship.

Gregg Berhalter and Landon Donovan scored in overtime to put the
Galaxy into MLS Cup final with a 2-0 victory over the Houston
Dynamo on Friday night.

The Galaxy will play in their first MLS Cup final since 2005 in
Seattle on Nov. 22 against the winner of Saturday's Eastern
Conference final match between Chicago and Real Salt Lake.

Los Angeles will make its sixth MLS Cup final appearance since
the league began in 1996. The Galaxy won championships in 2002
and 2005.

But after that, the Galaxy had to endure three successive losing
seasons, the media frenzy surrounding David Beckham's arrival
and his public feud with Landon Donovan.

"It hasn't been easy," Donovan said. "It's been a lot of hard
work. But the reality is that this is a real team. You don't win
games with only two, three players. You win with 11, 14, 18, 22
players throughout the year."

If the Galaxy's recovery wasn't easy, neither was defeating the
Dynamo.

"It was a game that could've gone either way," Galaxy coach
Bruce Arena said. "But our concentration was great. Our center
backs (Berhalter and Omar Gonzalez) were terrific against three
forwards who are a handful."

Houston had other problems to deal with.

"There were a lot of gaps out there and I think we were trying
to get the ball forward too fast," Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear
said. "It was just bad decisions on the ball."

Beckham's free kick set up Berhalter's goal in the 102nd minute.
The Dynamo's Eddie Robinson tried to clear Gonzalez's header off
the free kick but Berhalter poked the ball into the net from 7
yards.

"I saw Omar go up and I was waiting for something," Berhalter
said. "It just popped to me and that's when you just go to the
ball."

When did Berhalter last score?

"It was awhile ago," he said. "It probably was a penalty kick
for 1860 Munich."

Donovan then converted a penalty kick in the 109th minute to set
the MLS record for career playoff scoring with 17 goals.

Houston's Ricardo Clark tripped Alan Gordon in the penalty area.
After goalkeeper Pat Onstad dove to his left, Donovan scored his
third goal in this year's playoffs.

The Dynamo's Brian Ching had the best chance to score during
regulation. He headed a 7-yard line drive off Brian Mullan's
right-wing cross but goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts used his right
hand to deflect the ball off the crossbar.

Houston's Andrew Hainault scored on a header off Brad Davis'
ensuing corner kick in the 80th minute but Luis Angel Landin's
foul before Hainault's shot nullified the goal.

"I'd like to see a replay of our goal," Kinnear said. "If you
can call a foul on that, you can pretty much call a foul on
every set piece that's been in Major League Soccer this year."

Play was suspended twice after the stadium lights went out
because of power dips, a release from the Home Depot Center
said. The game was stopped for a 18 minutes in each half.

The Dynamo's Wade Barrett made his first appearance since Aug.
30 when he started for Mike Chabala at left back. Chabala was
suspended for receiving yellow cards in each of the two
conference semifinal games against Seattle.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/133798-Galaxy-headed-to-MLS-Cup-after-2-0-win-over-Dynamo</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/133798-Galaxy-headed-to-MLS-Cup-after-2-0-win-over-Dynamo</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 09:27:28 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Dynamo-Galaxy Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By CHRIS DUNCAN
AP Sports Writer

Houston (13-8-9) at Los Angeles (12-6-12), 11:00 p.m. EDT

HOUSTON (AP) --  David Beckham's immediate future is settled,
Landon Donovan is having an MVP-caliber season and the Los
Angeles Galaxy are two wins from another Major League Soccer
championship.

Bolstered by a revamped defense and renewed sense of unity, the
Galaxy face two-time MLS champion Houston in the Western
Conference final on Friday night.

Los Angeles' mere presence in the game is remarkable,
considering the Galaxy tied for the league's worst record in
2008 and started this season with 11 ties in their first 13
games.

And that happened before the real crisis even arrived.

Beckham played the first half of the year with AC Milan, then
got stuck in testy negotiations between the Italian club and the
Galaxy, with whom he agreed to a five-year contract in January
2007.

The English star stayed with the Italian team four months beyond
the end of his original loan. He faced harsh criticism from
Galaxy's fans when he returned in July and also had to mend his
relationship with Donovan, the team captain, who questioned
Beckham's commitment to the MLS team in a book.

Coach Bruce Arena organized a summit for the stars to air their
grievances and the two said publicly they were moving on.

Three months later, it's all good.

Beckham will return to AC Milan in January after an agreement
was reached between the Italian club and the Galaxy, and Donovan
is a finalist for the league's Most Valuable Player award.

The Galaxy gave up only 31 goals in 2009 after allowing 62 in
2008. They shut out seven of their last nine opponents in the
regular season to earn the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

"Even in the beginning part of this year, we went a bunch of
games without winning and it became frustrating," Donovan said
in a conference call. "Once we got that taste of victory and
realized what it took, everybody grabbed a hold of that and
we've maintained that the rest of the year. Now, I think we're
playing as well as we have all year."

Fittingly, Beckham sent one of his trademark crosses to Donovan
to set up the winning goal in Sunday's 1-0 win over Chivas USA
that propelled the Galaxy into the West final. Donovan
controlled the perfect pass, then fed Mike Magee, who was fouled
in the penalty area. Donovan then buried the penalty kick, tying
an MLS record with his 16th postseason goal.

After three losing seasons, Donovan and the Galaxy are back in
the West final for the first time since winning the MLS Cup in
2005.

"The rut we got into was that losing became a habit for this
franchise," Donovan said. "Now, this year, winning has become a
habit and you realize the things you have to do to be
successful."

While the Galaxy are completing a stark resurgence, the Dynamo
are back in their usual spot as championship contenders.
Houston, MLS champion in 2006 and '07, eliminated Seattle on
Sunday on Brian Ching's overtime goal.

Ching said the playoff-proven veterans saved their best for the
two games against the Sounders, who reached the postseason in
their inaugural season.

"We knew that going into the end of the season, we needed to
pick up our game a little bit," Ching said. "That's one of the
benefits of having a team with so much experience is that you
know when you need to step it up and raise your game."

The Galaxy beat the Dynamo 1-0 in June before the teams played
to a scoreless draw on Oct. 18, a match that Ching termed "a
feisty affair." Beckham earned a yellow card and Ching was
cautioned by the referee after a heated exchange with the
English midfielder.

"We're expecting the same kind of a matchup, the same kind of
intensity," Ching said.

Ching said the Galaxy were a much improved team the second time
around, and Donovan credits coach and general manager Bruce
Arena for spurring the turnaround. Hired in August 2008, Arena
brought in trusted assistant Dave Sarachan, along with former
U.S. national team members Gregg Berhalter and Todd Dunivant and
other veterans to strengthen the leadership on the roster.

Donovan is impressed by how quickly things changed.

"You always hear the term 'buying in' to what the coaches are
telling you, and everyone buys in," Donovan said. "I can't
remember a time this year where a player has complained or
brought the team down because they weren't playing. Everyone has
respected what Bruce and Dave have done, they respect their
decisions, and they're ready when called upon. That's a really
important part of being a good team."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/133036-Dynamo-Galaxy-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/133036-Dynamo-Galaxy-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:42:19 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Beckham only a part of Galaxy's resurgence]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By CHRIS DUNCAN
AP Sports Writer

HOUSTON(AP) -- David Beckham's immediate future is settled, Landon
Donovan is having an MVP-caliber season and the Los Angeles
Galaxy are two wins from another Major League Soccer
championship.

Bolstered by a revamped defense and renewed sense of unity, the
Galaxy face two-time MLS champion Houston in the Western
Conference final on Friday night.

Los Angeles' mere presence in the game is remarkable,
considering the Galaxy tied for the league's worst record in
2008 and started this season with 11 ties in their first 13
games.

And that happened before the real crisis even arrived.

Beckham played the first half of the year with AC Milan, then
got stuck in testy negotiations between the Italian club and the
Galaxy, with whom he agreed to a five-year contract in January
2007.

The English star stayed with the Italian team four months beyond
the end of his original loan. He faced harsh criticism from
Galaxy's fans when he returned in July and also had to mend his
relationship with Donovan, the team captain, who questioned
Beckham's commitment to the MLS team in a book.

Coach Bruce Arena organized a summit for the stars to air their
grievances and the two said publicly they were moving on.

Three months later, it's all good.

Beckham will return to AC Milan in January after an agreement
was reached between the Italian club and the Galaxy, and Donovan
is a finalist for the league's Most Valuable Player award.

The Galaxy gave up only 31 goals in 2009 after allowing 62 in
2008. They shut out seven of their last nine opponents in the
regular season to earn the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

"Even in the beginning part of this year, we went a bunch of
games without winning and it became frustrating," Donovan said
in a conference call. "Once we got that taste of victory and
realized what it took, everybody grabbed a hold of that and
we've maintained that the rest of the year. Now, I think we're
playing as well as we have all year."

Fittingly, Beckham sent one of his trademark crosses to Donovan
to set up the winning goal in Sunday's 1-0 win over Chivas USA
that propelled the Galaxy into the West final. Donovan
controlled the perfect pass, then fed Mike Magee, who was fouled
in the penalty area. Donovan then buried the penalty kick, tying
an MLS record with his 16th postseason goal.

After three losing seasons, Donovan and the Galaxy are back in
the West final for the first time since winning the MLS Cup in
2005.

"The rut we got into was that losing became a habit for this
franchise," Donovan said. "Now, this year, winning has become a
habit and you realize the things you have to do to be
successful."

While the Galaxy are completing a stark resurgence, the Dynamo
are back in their usual spot as championship contenders.
Houston, MLS champion in 2006 and '07, eliminated Seattle on
Sunday on Brian Ching's overtime goal.

Ching said the playoff-proven veterans saved their best for the
two games against the Sounders, who reached the postseason in
their inaugural season.

"We knew that going into the end of the season, we needed to
pick up our game a little bit," Ching said. "That's one of the
benefits of having a team with so much experience is that you
know when you need to step it up and raise your game."

The Galaxy beat the Dynamo 1-0 in June before the teams played
to a scoreless draw on Oct. 18, a match that Ching termed "a
feisty affair." Beckham earned a yellow card and Ching was
cautioned by the referee after a heated exchange with the
English midfielder.

"We're expecting the same kind of a matchup, the same kind of
intensity," Ching said.

Ching said the Galaxy were a much improved team the second time
around, and Donovan credits coach and general manager Bruce
Arena for spurring the turnaround. Hired in August 2008, Arena
brought in trusted assistant Dave Sarachan, along with former
U.S. national team members Gregg Berhalter and Todd Dunivant and
other veterans to strengthen the leadership on the roster.

Donovan is impressed by how quickly things changed.

"You always hear the term 'buying in' to what the coaches are
telling you, and everyone buys in," Donovan said. "I can't
remember a time this year where a player has complained or
brought the team down because they weren't playing. Everyone has
respected what Bruce and Dave have done, they respect their
decisions, and they're ready when called upon. That's a really
important part of being a good team."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/132804-Beckham-only-a-part-of-Galaxys-resurgence</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/132804-Beckham-only-a-part-of-Galaxys-resurgence</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:39:30 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Donovan's record-tying goal puts Galaxy in conference finals]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSEPH D'HIPPOLITO
STATS MLS Correspondent

CARSON, Calif. (STATS) - Landon Donovan used his right leg to
tie a Major League Soccer playoff record and vault the Los
Angeles Galaxy into its first conference final in four years.

Donovan scored on a penalty kick in the 73rd minute to give the
Galaxy a 1-0 victory over Chivas USA, and a 3-2 win on aggregate
goals in the Western Conference semifinals Sunday night.

The Galaxy will host the Houston Dynamo in Friday night's
conference final - their first since they won the MLS Cup in
2005. Los Angeles then missed the playoffs for three successive
years.

"It's huge for our franchise," Donovan said of the win, while
mentioning head coach Bruce Arena and two long-time Galaxy
fixtures, forward Alan Gordon and former player Cobi Jones, now
an assistant coach.

"You could see it in Bruce's face," Donovan said. "Myself,
Gordo, Cobi, we understand what this all means. But that's not
good enough for us. We're not satisfied.  Now, we have a big
opportunity to do something special."

Donovan's goal was the 16th of his career in postseason play,
tying Carlos Ruiz's MLS record.

"We had plenty of opportunities to be on top," said Chivas USA
coach Preki, whose team took six shots in the first half. "There
were a lot of moments where we had two against the goalkeeper or
two against one and don't even take a shot.

"The Galaxy made one play and won the game."

Donovan's penalty kick came after Chivas USA's Yamith Cuesta
fouled the Galaxy's Mike Magee by wrapping his right leg around
Magee's groin in the 70th minute.

On the penalty shot, Chivas USA goalkeeper Zach Thornton dove to
his left. Donovan sent the ball through the area Thornton
vacated.

"My thought, actually, was to go to that side," Donovan said of
Thornton's dive to the left. "But I saw him step the other way
and then start leaning."

David Beckham began the play that resulted in the penalty by
crossing the ball from the right flank to Donovan near the left
corner. Donovan then passed to Magee, who was on the right side
of the penalty area.

Beckham left the game limping in the 78th minute and had his
midsection wrapped with tape on the bench.

"I got a knee in my back that went into spasm, and I thought
that I twisted my ankle," Beckham said. "I'm sure it'll be fine.
We'll see how it is tomorrow."

Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts made two saves, both in the
first half. His biggest stop came in the 32nd minute, when he
dove to his right to deflect Justin Braun's 34-yard shot with
both hands.

The Galaxy defense held Chivas to three shots in the second
half, none of them on goal.

Chivas USA failed to advance past the opening round for the
fourth consecutive season.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/132452-Donovans-record-tying-goal-puts-Galaxy-in-conference-finals</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/132452-Donovans-record-tying-goal-puts-Galaxy-in-conference-finals</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:02:32 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Chivas USA-Galaxy Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN
STATS Senior Writer

Chivas USA (13-11-6) at Los Angeles (12-6-12), 7:30 p.m. EDT

The venue will be the same, but the Los Angeles Galaxy believe
things will look a lot different this Sunday at the Home Depot
Center.

The Galaxy and Chivas USA will play the second leg of their
Western Conference semifinal series after a sloppy draw last
weekend.

This is the first time there has been a playoff edition of the
SuperClasico between these Home Depot Center co-tenants. Chivas
USA was the "home" team last weekend as the teams finished tied
at 2.

"We just start over," Galaxy star Landon Donovan said. "This
game means nothing, no away-goals rule. We like our odds, we
like our chances and we're going to go for it."

A fresh start could be what both teams need after turning in
some poor play last Sunday. Donovan and Mike Magee both scored
for Los Angeles on goals that were a direct results of misplays
by Chivas.

Chivas also scored the final goal of the match in the 46th
minute when an ill-advised back pass from Galaxy defender Omar
Gonzalez went right to Chivas forward Maykel Galindo, who was
able to easily beat Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts.

"It's entertaining for the public, it's not so entertaining for
the managers and the players when mistakes happen and you don't
play as well as you can," David Beckham said. "But that's life."

Los Angeles could be facing a distraction since the club
announced earlier in the week that Beckham will be headed to
Italy to play for AC Milan on loan again. The England midfielder
played for Milan for six months in the first half of the year,
missing some action for the Galaxy.

"I'm committed to LA Galaxy and MLS in the long term and remain
as passionate as ever about growing the game of soccer in
America," Beckham said. "I'm completely focused on ending this
season on a high note with my club by winning the MLS Cup."

The Galaxy are looking forward to seeing more of their gold and
blue on Sunday in the stands after seeing plenty of Chivas' red
and white last weekend among the 25,218 fans.

"We're going to have all the fans in our favor instead of
theirs," Magee said. "You can probably double the anticipation.
It was a two-game series, now it's one."

Chivas failed to score in three regular-season matches against
its archrival, and is excited about getting two goals in the
first leg. Maicon Santos scored the first goal of last week's
match.

"It's pretty typical of a Clasico," Chivas defender Carey Talley
said. "Who knows what's going to happen, and both teams are
fighting incredibly hard and have great fan support on both
sides."

Chivas has lost three times and drawn four in its last seven
matches against the Galaxy since Sept. 13, 2007. Los Angeles is
unbeaten in its last five MLS Cup matches.

The winner will meet Houston or Seattle in the conference
championship.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/132106-Chivas-USA-Galaxy-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/132106-Chivas-USA-Galaxy-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:50:09 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Chivas rallies to tie Galaxy 2-2 in playoff opener]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSEPH D'HIPPOLITO
STATS MLS Correspondent

CARSON, Calif. (STATS) - Maykel Galindo punctuated his recovery
from a chronic hernia injury by scoring perhaps his most
important goal in three years with Chivas USA.

Galindo scored in the 50th minute as Chivas USA rallied for a
2-all tie with the Los Angeles Galaxy in the first game of their
Western Conference semifinal series Sunday.

The winner of the second and final game next Sunday will advance
to the conference final. If the clubs teams tie again, they will
play 30 minutes of overtime - to be followed by penalty kicks if
necessary.

"It was never going to be an easy game," Galaxy midfielder David
Beckham said. "But we start both halves poorly and we get
punished."

The Galaxy held a 2-1 lead when Galindo, who entered the game in
the 46th minute, pounced on a pass from Galaxy rookie Omar
Gonzalez intended for goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, and scored
from 15 yards into an open net.

"That's the real Galindo," Chivas coach Preki said. "We
encourage him every day in training to show that he still has
it. I know he still has it and I know he has more in him. Now is
the time for him to bring it on."

When asked what his goal meant personally, Galindo exhaled and
said, "for me, it means a lot, more than anything because of
what happened the past year, watching this team play and not
being able to play. As a forward, I feed on goals."

Galindo, who defected from Cuba in 2005, led Chivas USA with 12
goals as a rookie in 2007. Since then, Galindo scored a total of
five goals in MLS play, while being hampered by two hernia
operations in two years.

"I don't feel 100 percent but I feel 95, 96 percent," Galindo
said. "I've had to work hard after the injury and, thank God,
the symptoms are much better and I feel much more confident in
myself."

Maicon Santos put Chivas ahead 1-0 in the fourth minute with a
diagonal 19-yard shot inside the right post, but Mike Magee and
Landon Donovan responded with goals that gave the Galaxy a 2-1
halftime lead.

Magee exploited a defensive mistake to score in the 14th minute.
Donovan's header fell to Chivas USA's Yamith Cuesta, who
misplayed the ball off his right foot. Magee secured the ball
and converted from nine yards.

Another mistake helped Donovan put the Galaxy ahead in the 41st
minute. Santos sent Paulo Nagamura's clearance back to Chivas
USA's penalty area. The ball fell between defender Carey Talley
and Donovan, who scored on a soft 5-yard shot inside the right
post.

"We gave up two goals that were amateur, at best," Chivas
defender Ante Jazic said. "I haven't seen two goals like that,
where we just pretty much put the ball in the net ourselves, in
a game in a long time."

Ricketts made two big saves in a 3-minute span of the second
half. He leaped to his left to deflect Nagamura's 23-yard line
drive in the 57th minute, then blocked Santos' 3-yard shot at
the left post with his feet in the 60th minute.

The Galaxy extended its unbeaten streak against Chivas USA to
seven games.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/130710-Chivas-rallies-to-tie-Galaxy-2-2-in-playoff-opener</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/130710-Chivas-rallies-to-tie-Galaxy-2-2-in-playoff-opener</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:30:14 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Chivas rallies to tie Galaxy 2-2 in playoff opener]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[CARSON, Calif.(AP) -- Maykel Galindo scored in the 50th minute and
Chivas USA rallied to tie the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-2 on Sunday
in the first game of their Western Conference semifinal series.

Maicon Santos scored early for Chivas, and Mike Magee and Landon
Donovan tallied to give Los Angeles a 2-1 lead at halftime.

The winner of the second game between the clubs next Sunday will
advance to the conference final. If the teams tie again, they
will play a 30-minute overtime - to be followed by penalty
kicks, if necessary.

Galindo, who entered the game in the 46th minute, pounced on a
pass from Galaxy rookie Omar Gonzalez intended for goalkeeper
Donovan Ricketts, and scored from 15 yards into an open net.

Santos put Chivas USA ahead 1-0 in the fourth minute with a
diagonal 19-yard shot inside the right post. But Magee and
Donovan responded with goals that gave the Galaxy a 2-1 halftime
lead.

Magee exploited a defensive mistake to score in the 14th minute.
Donovan's header fell to Chivas USA's Yamith Cuesta, who
misplayed the ball off his right foot. Magee secured the ball
and converted from nine yards.

Another miscue helped Donovan put the Galaxy ahead in the 41st
minute. Santos sent Paulo Nagamura's clearance back to Chivas
USA's penalty area. The ball fell between defender Carey Talley
and Donovan, who scored on a soft 5-yard shot inside the right
post.

Ricketts made two big saves in a 3-minute span of the second
half. He leapt to his left to deflect Nagamura's 23-yard line
drive in the 57th minute, then blocked Santos' 3-yard shot at
the left post with his feet in the 60th minute.

The Galaxy extended its unbeaten streak against Chivas USA to
seven games.

---=

Story from: STATS LLC, http://www.stats.com.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/130707-Chivas-rallies-to-tie-Galaxy-2-2-in-playoff-opener</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/130707-Chivas-rallies-to-tie-Galaxy-2-2-in-playoff-opener</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:21:48 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Galaxy-Chivas USA Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ALAN FERGUSON
STATS Writer

Los Angeles (12-6-12) at Chivas USA (13-11-6), 5:00 p.m. EDT

The Los Angeles Galaxy are making their 11th playoff appearance
in franchise history, while Chivas USA has reached the
postseason for the fourth consecutive year.

The intracity rivals, however, will face each other for the
first time outside of the regular season in Sunday's first leg
of the Western Conference semifinals.

The Galaxy return to the playoffs for the first time since
winning their second MLS Cup in 2005, with David Beckham making
his postseason debut after his signing in 2007. It is the first
time Los Angeles has been the West's top seed since 2002.

"This season is a season to be proud of so far, but we can't
afford to get off the pace," he said after the Galaxy clinched
first place with a 2-0 victory over San Jose on Oct. 24. "We
need to continue, and we want trophies."

Los Angeles (12-6-12) beat out a crowded field to finish atop
the West as goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts concluded his first
regular season with the Galaxy in stellar fashion.

Ricketts enters Sunday's game with a 301-minute scoreless streak
dating back to a 2-0 loss Sept. 26 at Supporters' Shield-winning
and defending MLS Cup champion Columbus. Los Angeles regrouped
with a pair of home victories sandwiched around a scoreless at
Houston, giving the Galaxy the tiebreaker for the conference's
No. 1 seed.

Ricketts has posted seven of his nine shutouts since Aug. 19 -
four in the team's last five home games. One of those home
victories was a 1-0 blanking of Chivas on Aug. 29.

The Jamaican 'keeper did not allow a goal to Chivas this season
as the Galaxy were 2-0-1 against their archrivals and co-tenants
of the Home Depot Center.

"In the postseason, the biggest part is defense and that's been
our strength all year," defender Todd Dunivant said. "If we can
keep that going, we'll be a tough team to beat."

Chivas (13-11-6), meanwhile, reached the playoffs despite going
winless over its final three matches, including last week's 3-2
loss to visiting Houston that dropped it to fourth in the West.

"We definitely didn't achieve our goals. The Western Conference
championship would have been the first goal we'd set out for,"
defender Jonathan Bornstein said. "Even with five games left to
go, if we... would have beaten New York and San Jose, we would
have done it but we tied both games. We had so many chances."

Chivas scored two goals for the fourth time in five games, but
it is also the first MLS team to fail to net three or more in a
game in a season. Its 34 goals are second-fewest among the eight
playoff teams.

"As long as we're creating chances, I think we'll score goals,"
coach Preki Radosavljevic said. "We keep going and we keep
fighting and we keep playing the way we want to play. Hopefully,
one of these days, this group will be rewarded."

Chivas goalkeeper Zach Thornton finished with a league-best 0.87
goals-against average and 12 shutouts, but he enters the
postseason having given up six goals in the last three contests.

Chivas has never been to the conference finals in franchise
history and lost 3-2 on aggregate to Real Salt Lake in last
year's two-legged first-round playoff.

The Galaxy have advanced past the first round in nine of their
11 postseason trips.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/130335-Galaxy-Chivas-USA-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/130335-Galaxy-Chivas-USA-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:49:22 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Galaxy clinch West with 2-0 win over Earthquakes]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[CARSON, Calif. (STATS) - The first stage of the Los Angeles
Galaxy's renaissance is complete. Now on bigger things - like a
third championship.

The Galaxy clinched their first division title in seven years
with a 2-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday
night.

The victory provides Los Angeles (12-6-12) home-field advantage
for the postseason as it returns to the playoffs for the first
time since 2006.

"A huge reward," said Landon Donovan, who led the Galaxy to the
2005 MLS title after winning two championships with San Jose.
"We've worked really hard, and we didn't want that to slip away
tonight. And I can't imagine anybody wants to play us right
now."

Los Angeles has a three-point lead on CD Chivas USA and Houston,
which face off Sunday. The Galaxy own the first tiebreaker
against both teams.

The loser of Sunday's game, or Chivas if it is a draw, will meet
the Galaxy in next week's opening round of the playoffs. The
Galaxy will be home on Nov. 8 in the second leg of the
home-and-home series.

Los Angeles also won it all in 2002, but posted losing records
while missing the playoffs each of the last three years under
Ruud Gullit. The rebuilding process started when former U.S.
national team coach Bruce Arena was hired in August 2008 and has
resulted with the team's sixth division title.

"(A regular-season title) certainly wasn't something we were
thinking about as we started to rebuild the team in the
offseason," Arena said. "But it's a fabulous accomplishment.
It's been gratifying, the progress we've made.

"Hopefully, this is the start of things, being better and having
a team that's consistently good, and only time will tell for
that."

Franchise icon David Beckham, who endured difficult seasons with
the Galaxy over the last two years, said the effort needs to
continue.

"This season is a season to be proud of so far, but we can't
afford to get off the pace," he said. "We need to continue, and
we want trophies."

Donovan was responsible for the first goal, taking a pass from
Mike Magee in the Earthquakes' box. His cross ricocheted off
defender Bobby Burling and arced over backpedaling goalkeeper
Joe Cannon.

Donovan fired between Cannon's legs at the top of the San Jose
box on the second goal to finish a sequence started when
Ricketts threw the ball to Beckham.

Beckham played the ball to midfield, and Donovan knocked it to
Chris Klein on the right wing and raced forward. Donovan met
Klein's pass just inside the box, firing under the onrushing
Cannon and off the left post into the net.

Donovan leads Los Angeles with 12 goals.

The Galaxy, behind strong performances by goalkeeper Donovan
Ricketts and MLS Rookie of the Year favorite Omar Gonzalez,
notched their third straight shutout, seventh in nine games and
team-record 12th of the season.

San Jose (7-14-9), meanwhile, finished at the bottom of the
West.

"This was definitely a tough result, a tough way to end the
season," Earthquakes coach Frank Yallop said. "We have played
well over the last 12 or so games, including this one and this
is something we can build off of into next season and I'm
excited about that."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/128798-Galaxy-clinch-West-with-2-0-win-over-Earthquakes</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/128798-Galaxy-clinch-West-with-2-0-win-over-Earthquakes</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:40:00 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Earthquakes-Galaxy Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ALAN FERGUSON
STATS Writer

San Jose (7-13-9) at Los Angeles (11-6-12), 10:30 p.m. EDT

Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan opened this week by
winning a record-setting honor. He'll try to close it out by
helping the Galaxy to a milestone victory.

To finish atop the Western Conference, the Galaxy need a win in
Saturday night's season finale against the visiting San Jose
Earthquakes.

Donovan became the first six-time winner of the U.S. Player of
the Year award Tuesday in Los Angeles and was named Player of
the Decade after earning those honors over the past nine years.

Donovan, who has a team-leading 11 goals, will try to add to his
accomplishments by helping Los Angeles clinch home-field
advantage in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

After last week's scoreless draw in Houston, the Galaxy
(11-6-12) are tied for the West lead with the Dynamo and Chivas
USA, but own tiebreakers over both clubs. A win would clinch
their first West title since 2002, but a loss could push them as
low as fourth with Seattle just one point further back.

If Los Angeles draws, it would need a Seattle to lose or draw
against FC Dallas on Saturday night and a draw in Sunday's
Houston-Chivas match to stay in first.

"Any time we play San Jose, it's a big game," said Donovan, who
played his first four MLS seasons in San Jose. "But for us, this
weekend is huge. This is our chance, and we don't take that
lightly."

The Galaxy have the fortune of playing at the Home Depot Center,
where they have won consecutive matches and three of four.
Donovan scored the only goal in the team's previous win there,
1-0 against Chicago on Oct. 2.

That win was also part of Donovan Ricketts' current 211-minute
shutout streak. Ricketts has six of his eight shutouts in the
last eight games and back-to-back clean sheets at home.

He's allowed eight goals in the last two months, but six came in
a Sept. 12 home loss to FC Dallas. Ricketts has not beaten the
Earthquakes in two matches this year, allowing three goals in a
loss and a draw.

"There's a lot of incentive for them to come in and be
spoilers," defender Todd Dunivant said. "It's going to be a
tough game for us. To be honest, we haven't played well against
them. We owe them at this point."

Pablo Campos scored in both matches for the Earthquakes
(7-13-9), who will finish last in the West for a second straight
year. San Jose and Los Angeles were tied for a league-worst 33
points in 2008.

The Earthquakes, however, have gone 1-0-3 in their last four
straight road games. The Earthquakes held on for a 2-all draw
last week at Chivas USA as Ryan Johnson tallied his team-leading
11th goal and Brandon McDonald scored his first.

"It's shown the growth in our team - we went to DC and won, went
to Toronto and got a result, went to Colorado and tied so were
getting some good results on the road," said coach Frank Yallop,
who led the Galaxy from 2006-07.

Since San Jose rejoined MLS last season, the teams are 2-2-1
against each other.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/128441-Earthquakes-Galaxy-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/128441-Earthquakes-Galaxy-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:37:30 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Galaxy, Dynamo draw, create 3-way tie atop West]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JEREMY RAKES
STATS MLS Correspondent

HOUSTON (STATS) - Separation was what Los Angeles and Houston
were looking for entering Sunday's Western Conference match at
Robertson Stadium.

The end result, however, was more of a logjam than at the
beginning of the game.

The Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo played to a scoreless
draw Sunday, creating a three-way tie atop the Western
Conference.

Donovan Ricketts made four saves for Los Angeles (11-6-12), and
Pat Onstad had three for Houston (12-8-9) to help their teams
match Chivas USA with 45 points. Both the Galaxy and Dynamo have
one match remaining, while Chivas has two.

Chivas plays at Chicago on Thursday before hosting the Dynamo
next Sunday, and the Galaxy complete their schedule at home
against San Jose on Saturday.

Los Angeles had a chance to break the scoreless draw in the 52nd
minute after Edson Buddle pulled Onstad off his line. The
goalkeeper, though, deflected Buddle's blooper from 7 yards, and
Houston's Geoff Cameron cleared it off the line with a bicycle
kick.

"It was a tough game. Houston is a real difficult team to play,
when they are at home, with the tight field, their physicality,
their quality on set pieces, it wasn't easy," Los Angeles coach
Bruce Arena said. "It was a battle for 90 minutes.  I liked the
mentality of our group and the concentration we showed tonight.
I think we have to be pleased with at least leaving with a
point."

Houston's best scoring chance came in the 77th minute after
Stuart Holden got a pass inside the goalkeeper's box. Holden's
point-blank shot was stopped by Ricketts.

For the fifth straight match and sixth time in seven games,
Houston finished with 10 men after Brian Ching was ejected in
the 83rd minute for a red card, meaning he will not play against
Chivas.

David Beckham was given a yellow card for tripping up Ricardo
Clark to start the altercation, but Ching exchanged words with
Beckham, earning a caution. Ching then was given the red card
for apparently pushing a Galaxy player in the head.

"It had nothing to do with me. He pushed someone in the face,
but it wasn't me that he pushed, but you can't do that in the
game," said Beckham, who was making his first trip to Houston.
"Like I said, it had nothing to do with me, I wasn't involved
(in the incident)."

Ching admitted his mistake afterward.

"I touched a guy in the face, and the refs saw it and gave me a
red card," he said. "Stupid play on my part, but it was an
intense game.

"It was a stupid play on my part and two red cards in the last
two (home) games doesn't look good. I let my team down, but
better now than come playoff time."

Houston now has a red card in five straight games and six out of
seven, but Kinnear was more upset about his striker missing the
next match.

"It's not because it is Brian Ching," said Kinnear. "It's
because it is a player who plays, who is an important player.
And if you look at the guys who have been red-carded, they are
all important players.

"They are guys that play significant and important minutes for
us. And today, it's not just about the six minutes that he
missed. It's 90 next week."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/127336-Galaxy-Dynamo-draw-create-3-way-tie-atop-West</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/127336-Galaxy-Dynamo-draw-create-3-way-tie-atop-West</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:54:40 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Galaxy-Dynamo Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By MIKE LIPKA
STATS Writer

Los Angeles (11-6-11) at Houston (12-8-8), 3:00 p.m. EDT

Both the Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo have already
secured postseason spots, but neither club has given up on its
hopes of earning the top seed in the Western Conference.

If one of the teams can earn three points from Sunday's matinee
in Houston, it could dramatically improve its chances of
home-field advantage in a potential West final.

Last-place San Jose helped both clubs' quest by earning a 2-all
draw at Chivas USA on Saturday, leaving Los Angeles and Houston
just one point behind first-place Chivas with two games left in
the regular season.

Seattle is also tied with the Galaxy and Dynamo with 44 points,
but the Sounders have just one remaining match.

Houston (12-8-8) controls its own destiny, as it closes the
season at Chivas next Sunday, but while Los Angeles would also
be in good position with a victory, Galaxy coach Bruce Arena
downplayed the importance of the top seed.

"We sure as heck want to win the games that we have remaining,"
Arena told the league's official Web site. "But at the end of
the day it seems like everyone is going to be playing each other
anyway. The biggest factor is certainly whoever makes it to
their conference final, then they'll have home-field advantage.
I'm sure not looking that far ahead."

The Galaxy (11-6-11) haven't played since beating Chicago 1-0 at
home Oct. 2, when Landon Donovan's 11th goal of the season
provided the difference and helped the team eventually clinch
its first postseason berth since 2005.

They beat the Dynamo 1-0 on June 28 - without Donovan and before
David Beckham's return to MLS - and Houston will have to be wary
of the productive duo.

"Landon is the best player in this league, and I don't think
anyone is going to dispute that," Dynamo defender Eddie Robinson
said. "And I think when David Beckham is taking it serious, he
is right there behind him."

Los Angeles would love to prove it can win in Houston, where the
Dynamo are 8-1-5. If the clubs finish second and third in the
West, they'd face off in the first round of the playoffs.

While Houston has been busy with CONCACAF Champions League and
Dynamo Charities play, the team has played just one MLS match
since Sept. 19 - a 1-all home draw with Kansas City on Oct. 4.

That point clinched a fourth straight playoff berth, an
impressive achievement considering the Dynamo played the
majority of the match down a man after forward Cam Weaver
received a red card.

Weaver, the sixth Dynamo player to be ejected in the last eight
games, will be suspended for Sunday.

"It is not helping us, and I talked to the guys," Houston coach
Dominic Kinnear said. "... Some you can't control. But some are
not good, and it is not fair to the guys that are still on the
field and playing. I am disappointed in that."

The Dynamo will also be without midfielder Corey Ashe, who was
injured against the Wizards.

While Houston will certainly be trying for the West's top spot,
the team was eliminated from the playoffs in the first round
after winning the conference crown in the regular season last
year. The previous two seasons, the Dynamo settled for the
West's No. 2 seed but went on to win back-to-back MLS Cups.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/127230-Galaxy-Dynamo-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/127230-Galaxy-Dynamo-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 18 Oct 2009 04:58:56 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Galaxy beat Fire, take lead in Western Conference]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[CARSON, Calif. (STATS) - After two years of melodrama and
controversy, the Los Angeles Galaxy are in first place in the
Western Conference with two games remaining.

Landon Donovan scored in the 42nd minute and Donovan Ricketts
recorded his seventh shutout to lead the Galaxy to a 1-0 victory
over the Chicago Fire on Friday night.

With its second victory in three games, Los Angeles (11-6-11)
took a one-point lead over Houston atop the West.

"We'll take it," midfielder Chris Klein said. "It's been awhile
since the Galaxy made the playoffs but it should be standard for
this club. We're on our way to getting it back to that point."

Los Angeles will clinch its first playoff berth since its 2005
MLS Cup championship season if D.C. United loses to or ties
Chivas USA on Saturday night.

The Galaxy are in playoff position following two years of poor
play and internal strife as documented in Grant Wahl's book,
"The Beckham Experiment."

Some of the bickering took place between Donovan and David
Beckham, who publicly found fault with Donovan's criticism of
the British midfielder.

So what has made the difference this season?

"Most games this year, we've competed in the right way on most
plays throughout 90 minutes," Donovan said. "Second is having
some sort of structure and identity. The teams that are
successful around the world have that."

Beckham praised Donovan for more than his game-winning goal.

"His work rate was second-to-none," Beckham said. "He was
chasing balls back, closing people down."

Donovan's goal - his 11th of the season and first since Aug. 19
- came after Beckham started a counter-attack. Klein passed to
an unmarked Donovan, who beat Chicago's Logan Pause and chipped
a 19-yard shot over goalkeeper Jon Busch into an open net.

"In those moments, I'm trying to set up the defender and trying
to figure out where his mind is," Donovan said. "At that point,
I think Logan was a little casual in recognizing the space
behind him, so I took off.

"Chris hit a great ball. I think (Pause) tried to slow me down
but I got the better of that. Then Busch was caught in-between."

Ricketts made four saves, including diving stops on 25-yard
shots by Brian McBride in the 27th minute and Marco Pappa in the
37th. Chicago had another chance to tie the game in second-half
stoppage time, but Brandon Prideaux's 5-yard shot got blocked by
the Galaxy's A.J. De La Garza and Ricketts pounced on the ball.

The Fire (10-7-11) saw its winless streak reach five games.

"We never really tested Ricketts," coach Denis Hamlett said. "We
had half-chances in front of the goal and we just didn't do well
with them."

The Fire played without midfielders Cuauhtemoc Blanco (strained
left hamstring) and John Thorrington (strained groin).]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/124116-Galaxy-beat-Fire-take-lead-in-Western-Conference</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/124116-Galaxy-beat-Fire-take-lead-in-Western-Conference</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:58:52 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Beckham confident he'll play against Fire]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[CARSON, Calif.(AP) -- Galaxy star David Beckham is confident that
an inflamed right Achilles tendon will not keep him from playing
Friday night in a game against the Chicago Fire with postseason
implications.

"I'll be ready," Beckham said after Thursday's practice. "I
don't see why not. I've trained every day this week and I've
worked on fitness this week so it's been good.

"Obviously it's hard to practice and train on that, but I don't
see it being a problem for tomorrow."

Los Angeles is on the verge of qualifying for the Major League
Soccer playoffs for the first time since 2005, when it won the
MLS Cup. It would also be the team's first time in the
postseason since Beckham arrived in 2007.

"I think it would mean a lot to all of us," Beckham said. "It's
been disappointing the last few years not even reaching the
playoffs. We've made small steps forward this year and worked
hard as a team. Hopefully, the hard work will play off."

Galaxy coach Bruce Arena was taking a more cautious approach.

"We hope he's going to be able to play," Arena said. "We'll see
how he reacts to training. Today we just had a light day. He's
certainly improved from where he was last week."

The winner Friday will enhance its chances of reaching the MLS
playoffs, and would qualify outright if D.C. United loses to or
ties Chivas USA on Saturday night. Los Angeles and Chicago have
41 points apiece.

Fire midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco did not travel with the team
because of a strained left hamstring.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/123755-Beckham-confident-hell-play-against-Fire</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/123755-Beckham-confident-hell-play-against-Fire</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:53:16 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Fire-Galaxy Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By MATT BEARDMORE
STATS Writer

Chicago (10-6-11) at Los Angeles (10-6-11), 11:00 p.m. EDT

While the Los Angeles Galaxy or the Chicago Fire may not win the
Supporters' Shield for the league's best regular-season record,
both clubs have an opportunity to make the playoffs this
weekend.

Los Angeles and Chicago meet Friday night at The Home Depot
Center with each needing a win plus some help Saturday to secure
a postseason berth.

With a chance to overtake Houston atop the Western Conference
standings, the Galaxy (10-6-11) lost 2-0 at Columbus on
Saturday.

Los Angeles was 7-0-5 against Eastern Conference teams heading
into Crew Stadium.

"The game had no rhythm," said Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, whose
team trails the West-leading Dynamo by two points. "A lot of
fouls were called, a lot of yellows. Sloppy game, but I think
Columbus for 90 minutes was first to most of the plays
tonight.... They basically won most of the matchups all over the
field."

Los Angeles, though, has an opportunity to wrap up its first
playoff berth since winning the 2005 MLS Cup if it defeats
Chicago while D.C. United fails to beat Chivas USA on Saturday
night.

"We're not comfortable yet and we haven't made it," Galaxy
defender Todd Dunivant said. "We've set ourselves up well,
though, and have three games left. Really, it is in our hands.
If we do our business, we don't have to worry about other teams
and other results."

Chicago (10-6-11) finds itself in a similar position with three
games remaining. A win over Los Angeles plus a loss or tie by
United will secure the Fire's postseason spot.

Chicago is five points behind East-leading Columbus, which has a
league-best 46 points.

"I stopped looking at the scoreboards the last couple of games
so I don't know where we stand (in the Supporters' Shield
chase)," defender C.J. Brown told the Fire's official Web site.
"I do know we need points. If the Shield is still out there,
yes, we are going for it. If not, we still need a win because we
need to gain the confidence so we have a little bit of an edge
going into the playoffs."

Chicago and Brown didn't have that edge in Saturday's 2-all draw
against visiting Toronto FC, playing one of their most
lackadaisical defensive games of the season.

"Tonight defensively, we were no good," said Fire coach Denis
Hamlett, whose club is a league-best 6-2-5 on the road. "We gave
them two goals tonight. Two easy goals. We talk about wanting to
win championships, the defense gotta get better. Individually,
collectively, as a whole."

Chicago's Brian McBride scored his team-high seventh goal of the
season on a header in the 78th minute. It was his first goal
since a 2-0 win at Toronto on May 16.

McBride missed eight games following shoulder surgery in July,
including the 2-0 home loss to Los Angeles on Aug. 19.

Galaxy midfielder David Beckham missed that match - Los Angeles'
first-ever win at Toyota Park - after receiving a red card in a
2-0 loss against Seattle on Aug. 15.

Beckham was a scratch in Saturday's loss with an injured right
ankle. He is questionable for Friday.

Fire midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who leads the team with seven
assists, is also questionable after missing Saturday's draw with
a left hamstring strain.

Los Angeles is 7-5-3 at home versus Chicago.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/123660-Fire-Galaxy-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/123660-Fire-Galaxy-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:26:35 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Crew extend MLS-record home unbeaten streak to 24]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By BOB STEIN
STATS MLS Correspondent

COLUMBUS, Ohio (STATS) - A wet pitch following heavy rains and a
visit from the league's best road teams did nothing to change
the comforts of Crew Stadium, where the Columbus Crew extended
their MLS-record home unbeaten streak to 24 matches with a 2-0
win over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday night.

Eddie Gaven and Steven Lenhart scored goals for Columbus
(12-4-10), which leads the Eastern Conference and MLS with 46
points. Its unbeaten run at Crew Stadium includes 22
regular-season matches and two in the postseason.

The top two teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs,
while the teams with the next four highest point totals gain
berths as wild cards.

Los Angeles (10-6-11), which squandered a chance to overtake
Houston for the Western Conference lead, has 41 points and lost
for just the second time in 14 road matches (5-2-7).

The Galaxy played without David Beckham, who did not travel to
Columbus with the teammates and was scratched from the game
roster by coach Bruce Arena on Thursday because of an injured
ankle.

In the 33rd minute, Crew midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo sent a curling
20-yard cross into the penalty area to Gaven. Gaven headed the
ball back across the goal mouth and in off the left post for his
sixth goal.

Lenhart pounced on a rebound surrendered by Galaxy goalkeeper
Donovan Ricketts inside a muddy 6-yard box to net his third goal
in the 59th minute.

"To be honest with you, I enjoyed the game," Crew coach Robert
Warzycha said. "I think it was one of the best performances this
year by us, playing against a team that is playing well."

Warzycha typically has little to say about his team's run of
home games without a loss, but offered one certain prediction.

"One day, this streak is going to come to an end," Warzycha
said. "But when? We don't know. After good performances like
this, it could take a little while."

Los Angeles midfielder Chris Birchall barely missed pulling the
Galaxy to within a goal when his free kick pinged off the
goalpost in the 67th minute.

"The game had no rhythm," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. "A lot
of fouls were called, a lot of yellows. Sloppy game, but I think
Columbus for 90 minutes was first to most of the plays
tonight.... They basically won most of the matchups all over the
field."

Referee Terry Vaughn issued four of the game's eight yellow
cards in a six-minute span of the second half. The first was
shown to the Crew's Alejandro Moreno, who had been on the pitch
less than two minutes after entering as a substitute for Emilio
Renteria.

Moreno's yellow came for a late challenge in the 69th minute.
Birchall was carded two minutes later for a foul against Adam
Moffat. The Galaxy's Gregg Berhalter was booked in the 73rd
minute and Lenhart in the 75th.

The Crew rested 2008 league MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto and
played without 2008 defender of the year Chad Marshall, who was
out with a left knee sprain.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/122563-Crew-extend-MLS-record-home-unbeaten-streak-to-24</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/122563-Crew-extend-MLS-record-home-unbeaten-streak-to-24</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2009 02:24:00 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Galaxy-Crew Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA
STATS Senior Writer

Los Angeles (10-5-11) at Columbus (11-4-10), 7:30 p.m. EDT

David Beckham is beginning to feel comfortable in his new role
for the Los Angeles Galaxy. He may not find it as easy to settle
down at Crew Stadium.

With Beckham finally producing, the Galaxy look to deal the
Columbus Crew their first loss in 24 home games as two of
league's top teams match up Saturday night.

Though Beckham has had trouble at times this year, Los Angeles
(10-5-11) is two points behind Houston for the Western
Conference lead and has the third-most points in MLS with 41.

Beckham now appears at ease, scoring two goals in his last three
games, and he's beginning to gain the support of the fickle
Galaxy fans. He scored a goal and added an assist to lead Los
Angeles to a 2-0 win over Toronto FC last Saturday night, and
was applauded by the Galaxy crowd during a post-game television
interview.

Beckham, who has two goals and three assists in eight games, has
had an icy relationship with Los Angeles fans. He was criticized
when he played against AC Milan on July 19 after playing for the
Italian club on loan during the early part of this season.

A change of roles has helped, according to Beckham. He's now
playing in the central midfield, rather than his customary right
wing spot.

"Playing in the center, I've got a lot more options where I can
pass forward, to the right or the left," Beckham said. "If you
have enough of the ball, you can create all kinds of problems."

Beckham nearly had a second goal last Saturday, banging a
23-yard shot off the left post in the 43rd minute.

While Los Angeles has been one of the league's best teams on the
road (5-1-7), the East-leading Crew have clearly been the best
at home with an 8-0-4 record.

Columbus (11-4-10) has won four in a row at Crew Stadium and
hasn't lost there in 23 straight matches, including two playoff
wins last season.

The Crew settled for a 1-1 tie at Chicago on Sunday night in
their last contest, getting two second-half goals from Guillermo
Barros Schelotto.

Schelotto, the reigning MLS MVP, is second in MLS with 12 goals.
One of those goals came in a 1-1 tie with the Galaxy on May 17,
the teams' only meeting of the season.

Schelotto has been getting some help offensively from Robbie
Rogers, who assisted on Columbus' second goal Sunday. He has
four assists in his last six games and also scored his only goal
of the year during that span.

"I just try to put more balls into the box," Rogers said.

Schelotto and Rogers will face a Los Angeles team that got
defender Sean Franklin back in its last game. Franklin, the 2008
MLS rookie of the year, played 90 minutes in his first game
after missing nearly four months with a torn hamstring.

"Sean worked his tail off these past four months. He got himself
into the physical condition," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/122234-Galaxy-Crew-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/122234-Galaxy-Crew-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:26:46 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Beckham leads Galaxy past Toronto FC 2-0]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By JOSEPH D'HIPPOLITO
STATS MLS Correspondent

CARSON, Calif. (STATS) - In guiding the Los Angeles Galaxy to
their latest victory, David Beckham might have won over some of
his biggest critics.

Beckham scored a goal and added an assist to lead the Galaxy to
a 2-0 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday night.

The Galaxy (10-5-11) remained two points behind Houston for the
Western Conference lead and are third in the MLS with 41 points.
The top two teams in each conference and the clubs that have the
next four highest point totals qualify for the playoffs.

Toronto (9-10-7) is tied with New England for fourth in the East
with 34 points, two behind D.C. United for the eighth and final
playoff berth.

Members of the L.A. Riot Squad, the Galaxy's biggest fan group,
applauded Beckham during a post-game television interview. The
Riot Squad displayed large anti-Beckham banners when he played
against AC Milan on July 19 after playing for the Italian squad
on loan during the early part of the MLS season.

After the interview, Beckham turned to the Riot Squad and
returned the applause. On July 19, Beckham challenged a member
of the Riot Squad to meet him on the field, and returned jeers
with mock kisses.

"He was fabulous in a number of attacking opportunities and he
did the defending that he needed to do," Galaxy coach Bruce
Arena said. "The way he got out on the break in the second half
was remarkable.

"David is a person with a lot of pride and he did everything he
could tonight to lead this team. David gave 100 percent, no
question about it."

Beckham attributed his success to playing in the central
midfield, as opposed to his customary right wing.

"Playing in the center, I've got a lot more options where I can
pass forward, to the right or the left," Beckham said. "If you
have enough of the ball, you can create all kinds of problems."

Beckham scored in the ninth minute after a series of passes with
Chris Birchall. Beckham received Birchall's second return pass
on his left foot, dribbled and fired a 17-yard shot inside the
left post.

The goal was Beckham's second in MLS play this year and third
since returning from AC Milan. Beckham scored in the Galaxy's
friendly against FC Barcelona on Aug. 1.

Beckham nearly scored again in the 43rd minute, but after
running onto Eddie Lewis's left-wing cross, he banged a low
23-yard shot off the left post.

Toronto had two chances to force a 1-all tie. In the 31st
minute, Ali Gerba took an 8-yard shot that ricocheted off
goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts' foot. In the 48th minute, Chad
Barrett intercepted Stefani Migiloranzi's pass and sent the ball
to Gerba, whose 13-yard shot hit the crossbar.

"Maybe if that goes in, it's a different game," Toronto coach
Chris Cummins said of Gerba's shot. "We had a good go after
halftime. There were 10, 15 minutes where we really took the
game to them."

Buddle, making his first start since July 16, secured the
Galaxy's three points in the 83rd minute. Beckham intercepted
Julian de Guzman's pass in Toronto's end and played a soft cross
from the right flank into the penalty area to Landon Donovan,
who found an unmarked Buddle seven yards from goal.

Ricketts needed to make only one save for his sixth shutout.

De Guzman, the first Canadian to play in Spain's La Liga and
Toronto's first designated player signing, played the full 90
minutes in his debut. He received a yellow card in the 24th
minute.

Galaxy defender Sean Franklin, the 2008 MLS rookie of the year,
played his first game in nearly four months after undergoing
surgery to repair a torn hamstring muscle in May.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[soccer]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/121041-Beckham-leads-Galaxy-past-Toronto-FC-2-0</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/soccer/news/121041-Beckham-leads-Galaxy-past-Toronto-FC-2-0</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2009 06:04:28 GMT</pubDate>
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