Landon Donovan's penalty sends Galaxy to West finals with 1-0 win over Chivas USA

Associated Press

Last update: November 8, 2009 - 9:32 PM

CARSON, Calif. - Landon Donovan sent the Los Angeles Galaxy to the Western Conference finals by burying a 73rd-minute penalty for a 1-0 victory over Chivas USA on Sunday night.

Donovan tied an MLS record with his 16th postseason goal and put the Galaxy through 3-2 on aggregate after a 2-2 tie last week.

The Galaxy will host Houston in a single match Friday night to determine who goes to the MLS Cup final. The win meant David Beckham would miss England's exhibition against Brazil next week to stay with the Galaxy, who haven't been to the conference finals since winning the championship in 2005.

Donovan converted after Chivas USA's Yamith Cuesta fouled Mike Magee in the penalty area by wrapping his right leg around Magee's groin in the 70th minute. Beckham began the play with a cross to Donovan, who passed to Magee on the right side of the area.

On the kick, Chivas goalkeeper Zach Thornton dove to his left, and Donovan sent the ball through the area Thornton vacated, tying Carlos Ruiz's mark.

Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts made two saves, both in the first half. In the 32nd minute, he dove to his right and deflected Justin Braun's 34-yard shot with both hands.

Los Angeles held Chivas to three shots in the second half, none of which were on target.

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