Los Angeles Galaxy came from behind to beat Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 in their MLS clash at the StubHub Centre.
The home side started the game well and if not for a great clearing header from Brad Rusin, then they would have been ahead as the defender headed Hector Jimenez's effort off the line.
Jimenez was unlucky again minutes later, as he drove at the Vancouver defence and fired a 25-yard effort at goal, which beat Brad Knighton but clattered off the crossbar and went over.
The Whitecaps punished the Galaxy for their lack of potency in front of goal when they took the lead on a counter-attack through Camilo Sanvezzo, as he slotted the ball past Carlo Cudicini from a tight angle.
However, minutes later Los Angeles were level as Omar Gonzalez headed Juninho's free kick into the path of Jose Villarreal, who knocked the ball into the net from close range.
After the break, the home side took the lead through Gyasi Zardes as the striker collected a long ball forward and beat his man with a nutmeg before firing it low and hard past Knighton at the near post.
Kenny Miller had a chance late in the game to get an equaliser for the Whitecaps, but Cudicini made a good stop with his feet to deny the Scot to earn all three points for his side.
Simon Sinclair
