This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Carson, Calif. • The Los Angeles Galaxy has been in control through one half of soccer in Southern California, but a stingy Real Salt Lake back line has made all the tackles it's needed to so far.
L.A. has seen five of its eight shots blocked in a scoreless 45 minutes, as two Western Conference foes battle for position in a crowded Major League Soccer table.
RSL's usual possession-heavy style has looked out of whack at times.
In fact, Salt Lake's best scoring chance of the game so far nearly resulted in a Galaxy goal. When RSL midfielder Ned Grabavoy went looking for forward Alvaro Saborio in the box, the pass was picked up by Galaxy defener Omar Gonzalez and the counter attack was on. L.A. forwards Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane combined well before RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando dove in to snuff out the build up.