FC Dallas players David Ferreira, Marvin Chavez and Brek Shea celebrate a Marvin Chavez goal. - Photo Credit ISI Photos

Pro Soccer News: LA Galaxy Shut Out by FC Dallas in Western Conference Final

FC Dallas midfielder, David Ferreira, shattered the LA Galaxy’s dream of a 2010 MLS Cup final with a goal in the 26^th minute of the Western Conference final at the Home Depot Center, Sunday night.

The LA Galaxy came out strong and dominated the early minutes of the game. Landon Donovan and David Beckham, operating on the left and right flanks, were causing all kinds of problems for the Dallas defense.

That all changed pretty suddenly as Ferreira latched onto the ball in front of Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez. As the Galaxy defenders froze Ferreira spun and hit a low hard shot to the right of Galaxy keeper Donavan Ricketts and the rout began.

San Diego's Eric Avila in the Dallas Locker Room

Try as they might, the Galaxy team could not beat their former Galaxy goalkeeper, Kevin Hartman.

The Dallas stopper made several wonder saves including two saves of off Beckham free-kicks. The Texan’s went two up when again the Galaxy defense got caught chasing the ball.

Unfortunately for them, they could not catch up with it as it travelled across their goal mouth, George John smashing the ball into the back of the net from point blank range.

As the LA outfit pushed players forward to try and get back into the game they left gaps at the back. The Dallas speed merchants, Ferreira and Marvin Chavez punished them in the 73^rd minute, with midfielder  Chavez sealing LA’s fate with his team’s third goal.

The Dallas celebrations at the end of the game included San Diego native, Eric Avila, an unused substitute on the night. Although Avila did not feature in this game, his goal in the Western Conference semifinal against Real Salt Lake was the most important strike of the series.

After a night of joy in the dressing room, the Dallas squad with travel to Toronto next week to try and win the franchise’s first MLS title.

 

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Tony Bruce is a well known soccer sports writer and highly respected coach for San Diego Surf Soccer.  Tony@SoccerNation.com