LD scrambles with Stephane Auvrey (Alex V./OLFC)

Saturday was full of action in the MLS.  As the New York Red Bulls were wrapping up a 2-0 win over San Jose, we at ONELOVE were gearing up on the sideline for a fixture between the LA Galaxy and the Kansas City Wizards.  It was not an easy night for Landon Donovan and company.  An early goal by Davy Arnaud set the tone for a game that was largely dominated by three key players on the visiting side.  MLS vet Jimmy Conrad had a goal in the second half and never missed an opportunity to do work on defense.

Kei Kamara created opportunities at every turn (Alex V./OLFC)

Arnaud and Conrad most defintely showed up to play, but man of the match honors go to Kei Kamara.  He assisted Arnaud’s goal and proved to be an unstoppable force in the KCW buildup.  Both Leonardo and Todd Dunivant tried and failed to keep the wiry Sierra Leonian in check.

The pundits were saying that an early goal would decide the match.  This may have explained the win, but it hardly addresses a few problems that Bruce Arena will need to solve before a wildly successful 1st place run is compromised.  The Galaxy displayed very little creativity in the attacking 3rd and showed us why absentees like Beckham and Juninho will be necessary to the club’s long term success.  Conceding a goal in the 12th minute ought to inspire creativity, the way it did for team USA in South Africa, and not infect the team with a crippling sense of panic.  The frustration was evident after Arnaud’s goal.  Passes weren’t connecting, bodies were colliding and tempers were rising to unnecessary heights.  This is where leadership comes into play.

What did you think of last nights match?  Who was your MVP?

For our Galaxy fans out there, what can be done in the coming weeks to get things back on track?