The 2012 MLS All Stars have been announced, and the squad certainly isn't lacking for star power. You'll recognize some of the big names, as David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Thierry Henry have all been announced for the squad.

And all deserve the honor.

But the rest of the fan votes put together a pretty solid team, one that dabbles in a popularity contest but also leaves coach Ben Olsen with a strong foundation when picking his team. Let's take a look at who the fans voted on the team, and provide some analysis on how the team should look moving forward.

First XI

Goalkeeper: Jimmy Nielsen (Sporting Kansas City)

Defenders: Steven Beitashour (San Jose Earthquakes), Aurélien Collin (Sporting Kansas City), Jay DeMerit (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Heath Pearce (New York Red Bulls)

Midfielders: David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

Forwards: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

The rest of the roster will announced July 15th on ESPN.

Analysis

It should be noted that the First XI, as voted on by the fans, isn't guaranteed a spot on the team that will face Chelsea. The full squad of 18 members will be selected by coach Ben Olsen of D.C. United. In all, 32 All-Stars will be named and receive the appropriate bonuses, even those not named to the game-day roster.

MLS players will also vote on "All Stars" to round out the 32. And I would expect Ben Olsen's starting squad to look a bit different than this.

Up top, I don't have a problem with the legendary Henry and the league's leading goal-scorer Wondolowski. I would expect to see Kenny Cooper on the squad and receive minutes during the game as well, and having

De Rosario and Zusi are fair starters in the middle, though Kyle Beckerman and Osvaldo Alonso are intriguing options as well. I'd like all four on the squad, perhaps pairing the crafty De Rosario with the holding Beckerman.

I like the experience of Donovan and Beckham, but I wouldn't start them both, giving Donovan the nod. I want a bit more pace against Chelsea than Beckham offers, so I would add Marvin Chavez for pace and width. And Chris Pontius should definitely be on this squad.

Defensively, both Beitashour and DeMerit are excellent choices. After that, it's a bit of a grab bag defensively, but the team could certainly do worse than Collin and Pearce.

At goalie, take your pick. Nielsen is capable, though Dan Kennedy or Andy Gruenebaum would work as well.

All in all, Olsen has the tools to build a decent side. And one that will probably get smeared by a superior Chelsea squad.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets dominate like the Williams sisters at Wimbledon.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

For the eighth consecutive season, a team of MLS All Stars will take on a team from Europe in the league's All-Star Game. This year's opponent will be Chelsea, which is coming off a campaign where the team won the Champions League.

The MLS side actually won the first four games in the series, defeating Fulham, Celtic, West Ham United and the Blues. It's important to note the European teams are usually early in their preseason preparations and play trial lineups whereas the MLS players are in midseason form.

Everton and Manchester United have combined to win the last three games, though, meaning the MLS players will be looking to get back on the winning side of things. Here's a look at all the important information for the marquee game, a look at the First XI and a trio of players to watch.

Where: PPL Park in Chester, Pa.

When: Wednesday, July 25 at 8 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN2

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

MLS First XI (Reserves to be announced)

Goalkeeper

Jimmy Nielsen (Sporting Kansas City)

Defenders

Steven Beitashour (San Jose Earthquakes)

Aurelien Collin (Sporting Kansas City)

Jay DeMerit (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)

Heath Pearce (New York Red Bulls)

Midfielders

David Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United)

Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

Strikers

Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)

Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

Players to Watch

Thierry Henry

Following a successful loan stint with his old club, Arsenal, Henry has carried that momentum into the MLS season. He has scored nine goals and added five assists in 11 games to help lead the New York Red Bulls' attack.

He had a span earlier in the season where he scored seven goals in three games, showing he still has plenty of talent at age 34. The Frenchman has been dealing with some knee issues, but should be ready for the All-Star Game.

Games against European teams have an extra meaning to players like Henry and David Beckham, who was also selected to the squad. It's a chance for them to show they can still play at a high level even though they are past their primes.

Landon Donovan

Even though there has been an infusion of veteran European players in recent years, Donovan continues to serve as the league's biggest star. The 30-year-old American hasn't been as dominant as past seasons, but still has six goals and five assists in 17 games.

He's been playing better as of late with four goals and three assists over the last five games. That has played a key role in Los Angeles' recent resurgence after a lackluster start. He'll need to continue that roll in the season's second half.

Donovan will likely serve as the point man for the MLS attack. When he plays on more talented teams, such as his recent loans to Everton, he usually takes on more of a distribution role and that should be the case against Chelsea.

Jay DeMerit

After playing his entire career in England, DeMerit returned stateside last year to play for the Vancouver Whitecaps and has been impressive every step of the way. He was rewarded with his first All-Star selection.

The defender, who has logged 25 appearances for the United States national team, has played a key role in Vancouver's stout defense. The team leads the league in clean sheets, a major reason they currently sit fourth in the Western Conference.

Although it remains unclear what type of lineup Chelsea will field for the All-Star Game, the Blues have no shortage of attacking options. That means DeMerit and his back line partners will be under pressure early and often.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Skittish would be a good way to describe the Chicago Fire’s 2-0 loss to the LA Galaxy on Sunday.

Logan Pause and the Fire had no movement on the field in front of a sellout Toyota Park crowd.

The Fire is trying to figure out how to work recently acquired Brazilian midfielder Alex into the lineup. They are also coping with the absence of midfielder Sebastian Grazzini, who left the team more than a week ago to tend to a personal matter.

However, neither situation should serve as an excuse for the Fire, who simply did not take advantage of some good scoring chances.

In the 55th minute, striker Dominic Oduro's attempt on goal went straight into the arms of Galaxy keeper Josh Saunders. It was a play that summed up the match. The Fire never had a better opportunity, despite turning up their desperation.

After the match, Fire head coach Frank Klopas downplayed the defeat, describing it as just “one game.”

Meanwhile, former United States head coach and current coach of the Galaxy Bruce Arena praised the “good effort” of his team.

The Galaxy played without David Beckham due to a league suspension. Landon Donovan was supposed to be held out of the game, but the midfielder came on and provided an assist for one of two goals scored by Robbie Keane.

Next up for the Fire is a date at home against the Vancouver Whitecaps. They will bring their balanced attack to Toyota Park on Saturday.

Ernest Shepard is an analyst for the Bleacher Report. All quotes and observations were obtained first-hand.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Talk about a statement victory. Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy snapped a two-game losing streak on Sunday afternoon at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. with a 2-0 shutout victory over Frank Klopas' Chicago Fire.

With the win, Los Angeles improve to 7-10-2 (23 points) and come into their road trip to the Pacific Northwest with fresh wind in their sails.

Here are the player ratings for the Los Angeles Galaxy against the Chicago Fire.

Josh Saunders: 7

Saunders was facing the firing squad but just needed to make three saves. A complete performance from the backline helped take a lot of the work off of the Galaxy netminder.

Sean Franklin: 6.5

Patrick Nyarko had difficulty getting past Sean Franklin, although he was able to generate a few chances. However, Franklin did a solid job in limiting Nyarko's production. He needs to do better in delivering those long balls.

A.J. DeLaGarza: 7

A.J. DeLaGarza had a tough nut to crack in neutralizing Dominic Oduro, but his speed was more than enough force Oduro to get subbed out on tired legs. What a workhorse.

David Junior Lopes: 6.5

Logan Pause was outhustled today by the likes of David Junior Lopes. He suffered a knock in the second half but was able to see the match off.

Todd Dunivant: 7

The Iron Man got some help from Michael Stephens today in limiting the chances for Marco Pappa and Pavel Pardo. Dunivant was just part of a Galaxy backline performance reminiscent of last year.

Juninho: 4.5

The slump continues for Juninho, who was boldly predicted to have a much better game today. That was never the case, as Marcelo Sarvas was forced to pick up the slack for another match.

Michael Stephens: 6.5

Michael Stephens had a much better game on Sunday. His assignment was to slow down Marco Pappa, and he did it with gusto. Also did well to take some slack off of Dunivant.

Marcelo Sarvas: 7

Just another consistent performance from Marcelo Sarvas. This is the Sarvas the Galaxy were used to seeing when he was with Alajuelense. Expect Sarvas to make another start alongside David Beckham against Portland.

Hector Jimenez: 6.5

Nothing too remarkable from Jimenez. He did try to find Robbie Keane and Chad Barrett, but needs to work on the communication with those long balls.

Robbie Keane: 7.5

Robbie Keane redeemed himself for his penalty misdeeds with a textbook conversion past Sean Johnson in the 24th minute and then faked out Johnson again on a 1-on-1 in the 78th. What more can you ask for, aside from his celebration on the second goal? A hat trick, perhaps?

Keane nearly had it in the bag in the 84th minute but elected to chew up clock instead.

Chad Barrett: 4

Off day for Chad Barrett. The finishing just hasn't worked out for him, and he had to be subbed in favor of Landon Donovan.

Landon Donovan: 8

For only playing 25 minutes and stoppage on a bum hamstring, Landon Donovan played admirably well and helped set up the hammer in the second half for Keane. Rarely do I award someone a Man of the Match for a cameo, but I am going to do it here. He's the captain for a reason.

Bryan Gaul: 6

Clean-up duty for Bryan Gaul on the back line. He did his part to take some stress off of Franklin, DeLaGarza, Lopes and Dunivant.

Bryan Jordan: 6

Nothing too remarkable from Bryan Jordan; just some solid hold-up play and creating some opportunities here and there, but nothing reputable or disreputable.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

How do you shake off a poor week of results? Simple. As Al Davis would say, "Just win, baby." Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy did just that, shutting out Frank Klopas's Chicago Fire, 2-0, at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.

With the victory, the Galaxy improve to 7-10-2 (23 points) and are back in the MLS Western Conference playoff race as they begin a grueling road stretch. The Fire drop to 8-6-4 (28 points).

Here are six things we learned from Sunday afternoon's encounter between the Galaxy and Fire.

Begin Slideshow

Source: Click Here

You go to Portland to experience hipster Disneyland: brewery every quarter-mile, menus that feature meat wrapped in more meat and vegetables fried in animal fat.

If you’re an East Coast native like myself, you go to smirk at the earnestness while enjoying its products. And, increasingly, if you’re an American soccer fan, you go to Portland because the city might be revolutionizing the MLS from the inside.

That was the real reason I traveled to Portland to watch the Timbers battle their bitter geographical and cultural rivals, the Seattle Sounders, on June 24.

Portland-Seattle has quickly become the gold standard—an example of how to market and root for the MLS. 

Part I: Beginnings

The Portland Timbers name dates back to 1975 with a North American Soccer League (NASL) team, and was transferred to the United Soccer Leagues (USL) before catching on with the MLS.

The city of Portland has long proclaimed itself Soccer City, USA. There is some justification. The MLS Timbers have sold out their soccer-only stadium for every game this season. Season-tickets are also sold out. The Timbers Army is legendary. You'll see why a bit later.

But on June 24, when the Timbers met the Sounders in Portland, the home team found itself in an unfamiliar position.

Even though the Timbers’ history far outstrips the Sounders', who were founded in 2007,The Sounders have an equally lengthy franchise history, also originating in the 70's as part of the NASL, and Seattle has owned the teams' MLS rivalry so far. The crazed Timbers Army finds its (near) equal in the Emerald City Supporters, who traveled down I-5 by the thousands to sing, chant and generally be thorns in the side of the Rose City.

When Portland beat Seattle 2-1, the same Portland fans who lined up four hours before the game to tailgate streamed out the stadium to revel in victory.

They’d been at the stadium all day. First to drink and scream obscenities at visiting Seattle fans. Then to sing with drunken glee from the time the gates opened until the final whistle sounded. They were rewarded with exactly what they wanted.

The entire city was happy. It was a scene we’re told only happens in Europe, where the burden of history adds weight to every on-field failure and triumph. But this is America.

Part II: The Game

The Friday before the game, Seattle defender Brad Evans set the papers on fire by calling Portland fans “a bunch of drunk[s],” and claiming the Seattle organization was “a cut above” the Timbers. 

The game itself was lively, with everything a neutral could want. Portland scored twice in a frenzied first half, and Seattle's Eddie Johnson pulled Seattle one back in the second half with a legitimate world-class back-to-the-goal finish.

As the minutes ticked down, the game got contentious. Seattle’s star striker Fredy Montero was red-carded in stoppage time along with Portland’s Lovel Palmer. Both teams finished with 10 men, mirroring the bad blood outside the stadium.

The result was an upset in many ways. Portland beat Seattle for the first time in three MLS meetings, and the winning goal came on the first goal of defender David Horst’s career. He enjoyed it.

It was a few minutes after that goal that the press box literally started shaking from side to side, as the Timbers Army jumped up and down rhythmically chanting the name of the home team. After the game, Horst spoke to the Seattle Times and put it in perspective:

 “I'll never forget it. It's got to be one of the greatest moments of my life. To score against Seattle, in front of all these people, especially with the way we'd been playing lately. It's great to get a win for us, and the organization. I couldn't be more proud of the team today."

“It’s a tremendous game to win, a horrendous game to lose,” Portland coach John Spencer said, via Sporting News.

Part III—Good for Business

The significance of the game far outstrips what happens between the lines, and even travels beyond the Pacific Northwest. The MLS has scheduled Timbers-Sounders matchups throughout the season for national TV audiences on ESPN and NBC.

Howard Handler, the MLS’ acting chief marketing officer, explained the league’s thinking to the Portland Business Journal. “Rivalries bring this massive energy and urgency and atmosphere to the table...For us, it means great branding opportunities, and we’ll continue to take advantage of them.”

For the Timbers-Sounders game on the June 24, ESPN broadcast to a national audience—a soccer double-header with the England-Italy Euro 2012 quarterfinal—with former USA and Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller on scene to provide commentary.

In theory, for soccer to emerge as a major sport in America, this is what will have to happen. Homegrown stars have to go on to succeed in the world’s top leagues, drawing more interest in soccer at home. Increased TV viewership and attendance should make the MLS more profitable. This will allow for better player pay, better foreign talents and more hope to keep the best Americans at home.

When the quality of play in the MLS is on par with major European leagues, the viewership and marketing dollars should reach European levels—or higher—and America can finally become a real footballing nation.

A pipe dream? Maybe, but you can see how the Timbers-Sounders rivalry can be a key cog here.

By drumming up interest in the league locally and nationally, the rivalry helps set the stage for MLS to overtake, say, the NHL in popularity. It will be a slow climb, but those of us who love the sport know that if it continues to get exposure and the quality of play continues to rise, Americans will consume the sport in droves because it’s just that fun to watch. 

According to a tweet from ESPN's Mac Nwulu, the rating for the June 24 game was the best MLS result since 2001. So, maybe the plan is working.

A little, at least. 

Part IV—Let's All Get Misty-Eyed

It should be noted that this rivalry is not fueled merely by hipster anglophiles in two of America's most liberal cities. There’s some of that going on, but there’s also a lot of Americana. This is the video that first drew my attention to the rivalry:

An earnest Timbers Army sings the national anthem together. The players’ faces aren’t so much moved as perplexed. In a cynical time for the country, sports continues to offer something that brings us together—even if it's against someone else.

Even English papers find something American to report on here.

A few days after the latest Timbers-Sounders matchyo, Graham Parker of the Guardian captured the visual essence of the rivalry—the giant "tifos" the fans unfurl before rivalry matches. A textile-based tit-for-tat that culminated in the Timbers’ giant "LEGENDS ARE BORN WHEN THE PREVIOUS ARE SURPASSED" banner on June 24. 

The legend honored under the Portland skyline is Clive Charles, who, before his passing in 2003, was a player for West Ham United in England, the Portland Timbers of the old NASL, and the head coach of the University of Portland men’s team from 1986-2003. (Want to see those 1975 Timbers jerseys? Here you go.)

At the University of Portland, Charles worked with future US men’s standouts Kasey Keller and Steve Cherundolo.

Some numbers about the tifo: 20,000+ sq ft; 1500+ lbs; 66 riggers on 22 ropes.And no mention of who we we were playing. EP-IC. #rctid

Immigrant comes to America bringing expertise with him. He proves himself so useful and loyal to his new hometown that he becomes a member of the local fabric, looked at as a founding father by future generations. His image and the stories surrounding his life become the subject of local legend, even though he wasn’t "from" there. 

That’s about as American as it gets.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Two days after being named MLS Player of the Month for the second time this season—a recognition of his three goals in as many league games during June, each of which ended up being the decisive goal in an eventual win—San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski very nearly showed the predatory instinct that has made him one of the premier players in Major League Soccer.

In fact, were it not for two timely interventions by FC Dallas defender Hernán Pertúz and keeper Kevin Hartman, both of whom cleared Wondolowski efforts off the goal line, the Earthquakes could well have escaped a brutal stretch of games, which has seen them play six times in 18 days, with a 2-0 victory.

But Dallas made interventions when it needed to, and the game, which failed to fire for most of the 90 minutes, ended in a 0-0 draw. A positive result from the Earthquakes perspective, especially when viewed in light of their 2-1 defeat to Portland Timbers on Tuesday.

The draw took the Earthquakes' record this season to 11-4-4.

Heat was a factor—it was 80 degrees in Frisco, Tex. by the time kickoff rolled around, and within 10 minutes Earthquakes keeper Jon Busch, recovered from an eye injury in that unforgettable  L.A. Galaxy match one week before to take his place in goal, showed the effects of the sweltering clime.

A patch of sweat, normally reserved for outfield players after a half or so of play, developed on Busch's goalkeeper jersey in those opening minutes. While the Earthquakes are accustomed to adverse conditions playing in San Jose, where summer temperatures frequently rise into the 80s or 90s, there is something to be said about the oppressive nature of Texas's own weather.

That heat lingers.

Brek Shea, one of the anointed golden boys in U.S. Soccer's next generation of stars (he trained with English Premier League side Arsenal this past winter), was the danger man in attack early on for FC Dallas.

His teammates were looking to find him, often with his back to goal, and he gave Earthquakes defender Hector Bernardez fits with a series of feinted turns that erased the sturdy Honduran far too easily.

The Earthquakes were dominating possession, however, and by the time 30 minutes rolled around had a 58-42 percent advantage in that department. Outside of a few Shea opportunities, they could be fairly pleased with their performance.

In the 36th minute, they finally launched on the offensive.

Wondolowski was played in behind the Dallas defense on the left edge of the penalty area, and after nearly being pulled back by Pertúz, stayed upright and succeeded in chipping Hartman, who could only flail helplessly as Wondolowski's goal-bound shot edged toward the back of the net.

But Pertúz provided the saving grace, rushing past Wondolowski and clearing the delicate shot off the line to keep the game scoreless.

The Earthquakes weren't done threatening, however, and just before the end of the first half winger Marvin Chavez dummied Carlos Rodriguez on the right sideline, charging toward the endline where he cut back for Steven Beitashour.

The right-back's side-footed effort skied over Hartman's goal, however, and with Alan Gordon at the near post and Wondolowski arriving at the other end, Chavez might have been expected to pick out a better pass for what could have been his ninth assist of the season.

The second half was a bit of a yawner, with chances coming fewer and farther between (neither team succeeded in lodging a shot on goal in the first half).

Earthquakes midfielder and captain Ramiro Corrales was sent off with just over 10 minutes to go for a clumsy challenge on Rodriguez, clipping the defender as he looked to cut past him infield.

Rodriguez made the most of the cynical clip, howling and shaking his finger as he rolled around, but it was a sloppy challenge from a man on a yellow card. In a road match, with his team tiring around him, Corrales should be expected to have a clearer head.

It almost didn't matter that the Earthquakes were reduced to 10 men, however. In the 84th minute, substitute Khari Stephenson played fellow sub Shea Salinas in on the right flank.

With Wondolowski matching the speedy winger, playing in his second game after returning from a fractured ankle, stride for stride, Salinas showed some of his rust by taking just one touch too many and allowing Hartman to deflect his effort harmlessly away.

As he had been for most of the match, which had seen opportunities come at a premium, Wondolowski was frustrated.

Just seconds later, however, Wondolowski almost had himself another winner in a season when he's saved his side on countless occasions.

Beating a Dallas offside trap, the forward latched on to Sam Cronin's through ball and, occupying the position Salinas had just been in on the right, opted to go for goal, unleashing a venomous low drive that dribbled through Hartman's clutches and through his legs.

The keeper had slowed down the shot just enough, though, to successfully pounce upon it before it could filter into the open goal.

That would prove to be the Earthquakes' last real chance in the match, and while a 0-0 draw against a foundering Dallas side wouldn't normally be cause for celebration, taking a point on the road in a game where tired legs reigned supreme (how could they not, given how far the Quakes had come—literally and figuratively—in 18 days) wasn't the worst possible result.

Far from it.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy hit the road for a July 8 Major League Soccer match with Frank Klopas’s Chicago Fire at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. The Galaxy sport a very dismal 6-10-2 record (20 points) and have been struggling to post victories, managing just two shutouts all season.

As for the Fire, they have had a much better year in MLS, earning a record of 8-5-4 (28 points) and are currently fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference.

For this match, midfielder David Beckham will be out due to suspension. However, the flip side is that defender Omar Gonzalez returned to play on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Union and is expected to play a full match on Sunday afternoon in Chi-Town.

Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

Keep it right here on Bleacher Report for continuing coverage of the 2012 Major League Soccer season and all things world football.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here

It's back to the road for the Los Angeles Galaxy when they head to Bridgeview, Ill. to take on the Chicago Fire on Sunday, July 8. The Galaxy have a very disappointing 6-10-2 (20 points) record and are in desperate need of a result.

As for the Chicago Fire, they are 8-5-4 (28 points) and are currently fourth in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Kickoff for this match is scheduled for 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Here are 10 bold predictions for Sunday's contest.

Begin Slideshow

Source: Click Here

Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy are not getting the job done this year. They simply don't have the fire to win games. There were no fireworks in LA's 2-1 defeat to the Philadelphia Union—just poor finishing, errant passing and a bunch of frustrated players who are left searching for answers heading into their next road trip.

Given that this was the Union they faced, you should not be surprised at how harsh these ratings are going to be. Well, I just gave it away right there. Here we go.

Josh Saunders: 4

He didn't make a lot of saves, but he didn't make enough of them, either. Saunders isn't the man I'm calling out defensively for this match, though. There are two of them, as you will see in these ratings.

A.J. DeLaGarza: 5.5

He could only do so much to help the team defensively. DeLaGarza had a decent match all around but couldn't get any help in the extra-time segments of the match.

Omar Gonzalez: 7

Man of the Match. Not very often do I give someone a Man of the Match Award for playing just one half of football before being subbed out. But given that this was Omar Gonzalez's official return from injury, he did an admirable job in the back line. Start the countdown to the day we get the old back line of Sean Franklin, Gonzalez, DeLaGarza and Todd Dunivant for a full 90.

David Junior Lopes: 2

Ouch. Lopes was responsible for surrendering the Jack McInerney goal that squeezed inside the far post. It was a mistake that changed the dynamics of the match irreversibly.

Todd Dunivant: 5

It was an average performance from the Iron Man. He played well in the back and was not responsible for any goals scored by the opposition. Sometimes a quiet night is a good night.

Hector Jimenez: 5

The kid has a huge upswing but needs to improve on his speed to collect those long balls.

Juninho: 1

Goat of the Match. My guess here is that his snub by Sao Paulo and the staff's decision to loan him back to the Galaxy proved to be devastating mentally for Juninho. The young Brazilian has to realize that you can't let decisions that are out of your control get the better of you. I don't care if you felt shafted by your parent club; you are here to produce and do your job in the midfield. No exceptions.

If Juninho keeps performing like this, the Galaxy are not going to go to the postseason. Period. Writing's on the wall, Juni. Read it before it gets erased.

Marcelo Sarvas: 5.5

Sarvas was rewarded after coming of the bench by getting a full 90. Admirable work ethic.

Mike Magee: 5.5

Just another day at the office for Mike Magee, who is really communicating well as an outlet for Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane. The match could have used a goal or two from him, to be honest.

Landon Donovan: 4

As a forward, it's not a decent game when you don't create chances and you don't have a shot on goal. Just a miserable, miserable outing for the captain.

Robbie Keane: 5

I am going to give Keane the benefit of the doubt because he did create chances, but he should realize that a certain Frank Lampard, a certain Maurice Edu and a certain Jermaine Jones were also in attendance. This means he could be replaced in terms of finishing if Donovan or David Beckham isn't the one.

Keane needed to find his stroke in the first half, and it was pretty understandable why he bolted from the press conference following the game.

Sean Franklin: 4

I wanted to give Franklin a lower grade since he was responsible for surrendering the Michael Farfan game-winner, but he did make sure stops on defense to make the rating a little bit more respectable.

Chad Barrett: 5

Wow. Chad Barrett can actually score? Has the world ended? Oh, the Galaxy lost. False alarm. Anyway, Barrett and Keane teamed up magnificently on that temporary game-winner, and it's a shame he couldn't score more because he's Chad Barrett and he was built to finish like Chad Barrett.

Like Robbie Keane, I am giving him the benefit of the doubt and issuing a passing grade. Which is a rarity because, once again, he's only Chad Barrett.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here