The Red Bulls put in a gutsy performance in earning a 1-0 victory in Los Angeles. Considering the Red Bulls were playing three emergency players on their back line, an inexperience keeper and were missing their two designated players (Henry, injury; Marquez, suspension), the win was a surprise.

Yet they defended well and took advantage when their chance fell to them. But to be honest, there weren't a lot of chances in this game.

The Galaxy look like a shadow of the 2011 MLS Cup championship team. Part of that can be blamed on the absence of Omar Gonzalez, who is out with a knee injury. But that doesn't explain the lack of flair going forward.

Still, the Red Bulls' Chad Barrett will be kicking himself for missing a few good chances. And without the steadiness of teammate Ryan Meara, the game could have been very different.

Player Ratings (on a 10-point scale)

GK Ryan Meara

A spectacular performance from the Red Bulls keeper as he seemed to claim all crosses into his box. His performance took the pressure off his back line, allowing them to exceed expectations. He had a few key saves late in the game, but his 82nd-minute save on a long range shot by Juninho was nothing short of spectacular.

Player Rating: 8

RB Brandon Barklage

Solid performance from the former DC United player, despite some difficulties dealing with a few overlapping runs from Mike Magee and Todd Dunivant. Was often the last man on the back post on David Beckham and Landon Donovan crosses, which he defended brilliantly a few times to clear the danger.

Player Rating: 7

CB Markus Holgersson

Wasn't spectacular, but did his job well. Managed to clear a Robbie Kean chip off the back line early in the first half to keep the game tied early on.

Player Rating: 6.5

CB Tyler Ruthven

Put in a solid performance, as he was consistently targeted by Galaxy long balls and crosses. Dealt with everything calmly and professionally. He was impressive throughout. 

Player Rating: 7

LB Connor Lade

Struggled to deal with Donovan and Sean Franklin down the right at times, but all in all did a good job. Looked stronger on the ball than the last few matches and even got forward to set help set up Joel Lindpierre's 19th-minute goal.

Player Rating: 7

DM Dax McCarty

Did his job brilliantly as he consistently won the ball in front of the two center backs, forcing the Galaxy into wide positions instead of attacking through the center. 

Player Rating: 7

RM Dane Richards

Broke a few times on the counter attack, but found very little support. Helped defensively, but nothing spectacular. Earned a soft yellow card in the 31st minute.

Player Rating: 6

CM Medhi Ballouchi (off 77')

Helped move the ball in the middle of the field and did his job defensively.

Player Rating: 6

CM Joel Lindpierre

Scored the Red Bulls's 19th-minute goal off a surging run out of the midfield. Controlled Jan Gunnar Solli's pass brilliantly and did very well to score on a tight angle. Worked hard throughout the game and looked impressive in the middle of the field.

Player Rating: 7

RM Jan Gunnar Solli (off 82')

Assisted on Lindpierre's goal as he combined cleverly with Connor Lade. Ran all game until he was substituted late after going down with a leg injury.

Player Rating: 6.5

ST Kenny Cooper

His clever run created space for Lindpierre's first-half goal as he went far post and dragged the Galaxy back line with him. Did very well in the first half, holding up play and bringing the midfield into the attack. Slowed in the second half, but still a strong performance.

Player Rating: 6.5

Substitutes

CM Victor Palsson (on 77')

Looked more comfortable playing further up the pitch with McCarty sweeping behind him.

Player Rating: 6

LM Juan Agudelo (on 82')

The young striker was pressed into service in the left midfield after Solli's injury. Did well closing down the Galaxy and holding possession as the Red Bulls closed out their victory.

Player Rating: 6

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