Landon Donovan, Donovan Ricketts held Galaxy beat Fire 1-0

Donovan, Ricketts lead Galaxy past Fire, 1-0

CARSON, Calif. — Landon Donovan scored in the 42nd minute and Donovan Ricketts made four saves for his seventh shutout in the Los Angeles Galaxy’s 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire on Friday night.

With their second victory in three games, the Galaxy (11-6-11) took a one-point lead over Houston atop the Western Conference.

Los Angeles will qualify for the playoffs for the first time since its 2005 championship season if D.C. United loses to or ties Chivas USA on Saturday night.

The Fire (10-7-11) have a five-game winless streak.