Galaxy clinch West with 2-0 win over Earthquakes

Galaxy clinch West with 2-0 win over Earthquakes

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

Earthquakes defender Bobby Burling deflected Landon Donovan’s cross into his net for an own goal in the 24th minute, and Donovan finished a quick length-of-the-field sequence in the 77th.

Los Angeles (12-6-12) opened 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.

San Jose (7-14-9) finished at the bottom of the Western Division.

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

Donovan was responsible for the first goal, taking a pass from Mike Magee in the Earthquakes’ box. His cross ricocheted off 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 David 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 the Galaxy with 12 goals.

Now led by former U.S. national team coach Bruce Arena, the Galaxy won their sixth Western Conference title. They also captured MLS Cup championships in 2002 and 2005.

Story from: STATS LLC, www.stats.com.