The Los Angeles Galaxy earned a vital 2-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday to keep pace with the MLS Western Conference leaders.
The Galaxy took the lead in the fourth minute when Landon Donovan turned in Robbie Keane's attempted volley in at the back post.
Los Angeles doubled their advantage with a well-worked team move as Marcelo Sarvas and Keane combined before the Republic of Ireland striker's effort rebounded to Sarvas, who slotted the ball past David Ousted.
Baggio Husidic had a golden chance to make it three for the home side before the break when he latched onto Keane's cross at the back post, but he blazed his effort over the bar.
In the second half, Vancouver tried to respond and Kekuta Manneh almost created something with a surging run into the box, but he drilled his left-footed shot straight at Jaime Penedo.
The Galaxy wrestled back the initiative and went close to extending their lead as Husidic saw his headed effort cleared off the line, while Keane saw a powerful shot well saved by Ousted.
The Whitecaps were reduced to 10 men in the 90th minute when Johnny Leveron was harshly sent off as he received a straight red card for bringing down Alan Gordon from behind.
Los Angeles nearly took advantage of this to seal their win, but Keane was denied his goal in stoppage time as Ousted parried his effort and the ball somehow hit the crossbar and bounced clear.
Simon Sinclair
