Wizards Find Net, but Can't Get Victory

After shooting the ball over 40 times the last two games, the Wizards had fewer shots against the Galaxy, but they finally found the net a few times. Yura Movsisyan and Davy Arnaud both find net in the first 6 minutes of the second half, but the Wizards were again unable to hold on to the lead, as Cobi Jones struck twice, giving the Galaxy a share of the points. The big news before the game, though, was the return of Wizards captain, Jimmy Conrad. Conrad had played the first 2 game of the USA's Copa America trip, but sat out the third game. The Wizards other US international, Eddie Johnson was given the night off to rest and recover from the tournament. Johnson has been away from the team for about 6 weeks now with the Gold Cup followed by Copa America.

The first half was a lackluster affair, with few chances for either team. The best of those few chances, fell to LA midfielder Kelly Gray, who's blast from long range was parried away by Kevin Hartman. The second half was a much more wide open affair, and that was apparent from the start. Less then 2 minutes into the second half, half time sub, Movsisyan received a cross from Jack Jewsbury on his chest, and beat LA keeper Joe Cannon to give the Wizards the lead. Four minutes later, the Wizards were continuing to press, a cross into the box was headed by Ante Jazic, back to Cannon, but the weak header allowed Arnaud to beat Cannon to the ball and then head it into the net to give the Wizards a 2-0 lead.

While the Wizards continued to attack from there on out, it was the Galaxy who had the better of the chances. Landon Donovan found Carlos Pavon streaking past Nick Garcia in the 61st minute, but his strike hit the post. The rebound fell right to Jones, though, who buried his shot in the corner to pull a goal back. The Galaxy continued to attack, and Donovan was able to have his way for the most part with Wizards rookie, Michael Harrington. In the 75th minute after a poorly cleared corner, Donovan found Jones, who beat Hartman short side to even the score at 2. For the most part after the Arnaud goal, the Wizards attack was weak and didn't lack much punch.

3 Stars of the Game
1. Cobi Jones - LA - Jones' first multi-goal game since 2002, gave the Wizards backs trouble from the time he stepped on field, besides his two goals, he almost scored another and helped to almost set up a goal for Gavin Glinton.
2. Landon Donovan - LA - Gave the Wizards left side trouble all night, especially Harrington, who was filling in again for Jose Burciaga at left back.
3. Yura Movsisyan - KC - Added a major spark to the Wizards attack when he came on at half time. The attack up to that point had been almost nonexistent.