FC Dallas wins thriller at home against Los Angeles Galaxy

FC Dallas defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 in a rain-soaked lightning-delayed match at Pizza Hut Park that hinged on a beautiful goal scored by Brek Shea in the 88th minute. A rematch of last season’s Western Conference Final, the win improved FC Dallas’ record to 3-3-1 (10 points).

A driving rainstorm hit Pizza Hut Park just as the second half began, but that did not stop the defending Western Conference Champions from attacking. The team earned a throw-in deep in L.A. territory, and Jacobson won a header that fell directly into the path of rookie Fabian Castillo. The Colombian forward volleyed a lobbed shot to the back post the tucked just inside the far post to give Dallas a 1-0 lead.

L.A. fought back immediately in the 51st minute on a finish at the back post by Donovan. A ball crossed in by Juninho from the left flank met the U.S. National Team midfielder and Loyd at the back post. Both players and the ball slid across the goal line as the Galaxy leveled the score 1-1.

With the match continuing on through driving rain and wind, Donovan found space in the center of the park and ran at the heart of the FC Dallas defense. Challenged by both George John and Ugo Ihemelu, the ball caromed back to the feet of Donovan in front of Hartman. Charging off his line, Hartman cut down Donovan’s angle on goal before kicking away a shot intended for the far post with his left foot.

For the next 10 minutes both teams had good buildups in their attacking third of the field, but neither side could put away the game-winner before the match was suspended in the 83rd minute due to lightning. Following a one-hour delay, the match resumed at 8:55 p.m.

It was worth the wait.

Zach Loyd got Brek Shea the ball wide on the left side and the 21-year-old Texan bent a shot high to the back post that dipped just inside the far post to give FC Dallas a 2-1 lead in the 88th minute.
Searching for its second equalizer of the night, the Galaxy pushed players forward. The top team in the MLS standings earned a pair of corner kicks and would have drawn level again if Ricardo Villar and Daniel Hernandez had not cleared a ball off the line to preserve a 2-1 win that only a brave few of the original crowd of 21,867 witnessed.