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Donovan PK leads L.A. to win over Houston

May 26, 2011 - 4:40 AM Carson, CA (Sports Network) - Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.

That's exactly what the first-placed Los Angeles Galaxy were on Wednesday night, using a lucky break to top the visiting Houston Dynamo, 1-0, at The Home Depot Center in Major League Soccer action.

With the first half winding down, an innocent looking shot from the Galaxy's Chris Birchall that appeared to be heading well wide of the net was handled by Dynamo defender Lovel Palmer, prompting a penalty-kick call from referee Chris Penso.

Landon Donovan took the shot, making no mistake for his league-leading eighth goal of the season in first-half stoppage time.

The game slowed down in the second half, with neither team mustering many legitimate scoring chances as the Galaxy held onto their five-point lead atop the Western Conference table.

The win extended L.A. unbeaten run to five. It was also the Galaxy's third straight win, and second straight shutout.

Houston is now winless in five.

The Galaxy travel to Boston to take on the Revolution on Saturday, while Houston hosts FC Dallas the same day in its next MLS match.