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Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Chivas USA: Rating the Galaxy Players

Jo-Ryan SalazarSenior Analyst IJuly 22, 2012

CARSON, CA - JULY 21: Landon Donovan #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy slide into Dan Kennedy #1 of Chivas USA during the MLS match at The Home Depot Center on July 21, 2012 in Carson, California. The Galaxy won 3-1. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Ric Tapia/Getty Images

Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy saw its three designated players go to work once again on Saturday. Those three designated players are, of course, Landon Donovan, David Beckham and Robbie Keane. All three were instrumental in delivering three goals and three points to the Galaxy in their 3-1 victory over Robin Fraser's Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Ah, the power of threes. Yes, I can personally confirm to you that good things do come in threes. But what about the rest of the team that was on the pitch? How did they do?

Well, the rest of the supporting cast weren't too bad themselves, but they could have done a little bit better to acquit themselves in these Galaxy player ratings.

Josh Saunders: 7

I am giving Josh Saunders the benefit of the doubt because he did make five saves on the night, but he could have had at least one more. However, in his defense, the back line didn't help him out on the Paolo Cardozo goal in the 52nd minute of play.

Aside from that hiccup, Saunders put on a workmanlike performance and will look to do more of the same against FC Dallas. (Note that I am intentionally leaving Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid out of this piece, since those are friendlies and performance is subjective.)

Sean Franklin: 6.5

Average night for Sean Franklin, but then again, an average night might as well be a good night if you're on defense.

A.J. DeLaGarza: 7

Just another day at the office for A.J. DeLaGarza. His work in central defense provided the usual efforts fans see from him most every match, with a few notable exceptions.

David Junior Lopes: 6

Not a bad night for David Junior Lopes, who played really well in the back. As he is a former Chivas USA defender, performing well in this game really meant a lot to him, and it showed with the way he performed.

Bryan Gaul 6.5

Gaul was steady on the left side and really looked dangerous when he pressed forward. Good outing from Bryan Gaul, but he needs to learn to finish from close range. He's a rookie though. In time, he will deliver the type of touch necessary to compete in this league.

Hector Jimenez: 6

Hector Jimenez is pretty much aware that he is no Mike Magee. And when Magee is healthy and ready to return, he will be on the bench again. Jimenez held his own in the midfield but has yet to be consistent for the entirety of his time on the pitch.

David Beckham: 7

Delivered two timely assists: one to Robbie Keane and one to Landon Donovan. However, I am giving him minus points for his dissent that led to his yellow card. Sometimes, not arguing with the referee will do wonders for your player rating, Mr. Beckham.

Juninho: 6.5
Marcelo Sarvas: 6.5

Meshing these two Brazilians together. It's a good night when the Galaxy has Juninho and Sarvas combined with David Beckham. It makes for a very competent midfield that orchestrated a number of threatening sequences and limited the damage that Chivas could potentially do.

Landon Donovan: 8

Man of the match for his brace that proved to be all the difference in the contest. What can you say about Landon Donovan? If you let the No. 10 get loose on a breakaway, and he's onside, it's game over if you're Dan Kennedy.

The only way defenders can stop Donovan is if he stops himself. Of course, he did so with a yellow card in the 53rd minute. That didn't take away from what was a solid outing for the captain.

Robbie Keane: 7

Robbie Keane continued his hot streak with a goal in the 14th minute and an assist in the 48th. However, Keane could have done a little bit better with his finishing and his decision-making when he has a touch on the ball. He was just as effective as Vancouver's Barry Robson against the Galaxy last Wednesday. Can score, but incapable of scoring more than once.

Actually, he could have scored more than once, but a would-be goal in the first half was called back due to offsides. Aside from that, Keane's performance leaves much to be desired.

Omar Gonzalez: 7

In just his second match of action this season, Omar showed his potential as a starter later this season, making textbook clearances and looking rather fit on the pitch. Gonzalez didn't have to do much work on Saturday, other than help secure the Galaxy's advantage, which he did.

Michael Stephens: NR

Came into the game late, no rating given.