Emilio's Blast Propels United Over Galaxy, 1-0
The 46,686 spectators that packed into RFK stadium got their money's worth last night. The United faithful saw a dominating performance that vaulted their team into second place in the Eastern Conference of MLS. Those hoping to see soccer star and global icon David Beckham also left pleased: LA's five million dollar man played the final 20 minutes, making his Major League Soccer debut.
Though United's finishing was spotty, they enjoyed the great majority of chances throughout the game and had little trouble maintaining possession. Despite the hoopla surrounding the game, United's players remained commendably focused, especially in the early minutes. This led to several chances, among them an eight yard volley that Ben Olsen sent narrowly over the cross bar and a Luciano Emilio header off of a corner kick that also sailed just high of goal.
Emilio would atone for his lost opportunity in the 27th minute. After enjoying a nice run of possession, United found the back of the net thanks to a fantastic strike. Converted defender Mark Burch found Emilio about 30 yards from net on the left side of the field. Emilio ran towards the center of the field and tested GK Joe Cannon with his powerful right foot. Cannon, playing a few yards off his line, was able to get a hand on Emilio's shot but could not prevent the goal.
Photos by Kyle Gustafson
After the game, Emilio would confess that the team's game plan involved taking shots at any and all opportunities, a strategy that did the trick for United. Jaime Moreno started the second half in place of Guy Kpene, but was unable to claim his record-breaking 109th goal. He used his craftiness and skill on the ball effectively, but of his two clear chances, one was skied and the other stopped by a superb reaction save from Cannon.
During the 37th minute Beckham started jogging along the sideline, the first indication that he would eventually make an appearance. Though this elicited cheers, they paled in comparison to his entry in minute 72; the screams of crowd filled RFK with such fervor that the PA announcer's voice was inaudible.
Though Beckham made a positive impact, sending a couple of balls into the box and making intelligent passes, he was unable to bestow finishing ability upon Edson Buddle, Carlos Pavon, or Landon Donovan, all of whom missed second-half chances.
Despite the Galaxy's wasted opportunities, the result was still fair for United, who saw just as many go by the wayside. United also played the final 35 minutes with a man advantage; Kyle Martino received a direct red card for a nasty tackle from behind that drove into Fred's ankle.
The two teams will meet again on Wednesday in the Superliga semifinal at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles. Should United pull out the victory, it will be safe to say that the club's July doldrums are well behind them.