Playing their third game in eight days, the Los Angeles Galaxy hosted the New York Red Bulls Saturday night at the Home Depot Center.

Despite the fact that the Red Bulls were forced to play without several of their stars, including Thierry Henry, the Red Bulls managed to pull off a 1-0 victory over the Galaxy.

Here are six thoughts from the game.

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Despite dominating the stat sheet in almost every category, Sporting Kansas City fell to the Montreal Impact 2-0 in front of 20,404 fans at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park (LSP). After starting the season with seven straight wins, Sporting KC has now lost two straight.

The loss was the first shutout loss at LSP and the first for the team since a 2-0 loss to Chivas USA on July 10, 2010 at Community America Ballpark.

Sporting KC outshot Montreal 22-6, had 11 corners to Montreal's one and 66 percent of the possession, but were just not able to get the final pass or finish their chances.

During the postgame press conference that Bleacher Report attended, Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said, "We didn't come to compete today, and that was a big part of why we lost today. I take responsibility for that. That's not happening."

The Impact's chances seemed to come close on the heels of missed opportunities by Sporting KC.

In the 27th minute, midfielder Graham Zusi took a shot from distance, but goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts made the save, tipping the ball out for a corner.

Three minutes later, Sporting KC had a throw-in deep in its own end of the field. After a couple of headers, the ball fell to Impact midfielder Jeb Brovsky. Brovsky made a short pass to Justin Braun, who one-timed the ball to Felipe. The Brazilian moved the ball forward and took a shot from about 25 yards out.

Defender Aurelien Collin appeared to screen goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen for a split second and that was all it took. Nielsen picked up the ball late and got a hand to it, but not enough to keep it out of the back of the net.

In the locker room after the game, Nielsen said, "That's why I probably reacted a little late. I have not seen it on video, but from the outside it probably did not look good from my side. That's a shot I normally expect myself to save. Of course, that's a big disappointment."

In the 55th minute, Bobby Convey played a short corner to Chance Myers. Myers found Zusi for a shot, but the shot was blocked.

Eight minutes later, Montreal was awarded a penalty for a foul on Lamar Neagle in the box. Collin seemed to clear the ball from in front of Neagle before Neagle fell over Nielsen. Referee Juan Guzman pointed to the spot, despite the massive protests from Sporting KC players.

Patrice Bernier stepped up and converted the penalty to give Montreal a 2-0 lead.

After the game, Vermes said, "I saw the replay. It's not a penalty. Collin gets the ball. Referee makes a call, makes a call. If you look at the play prior to that, how it led to it, terrible, terrible on our part. From the throw-in, we give up, we're all open. The whole play should have been totally different."

Braun brought Kei Kamara down in the Montreal penalty area in the first half, in what should have been a more obvious penalty call, but nothing was given.

Aside from Collin hitting the crossbar in the 90th minute, none of the rest of the Sporting KC chances truly threatened to put a dent in the Montreal lead.

In the locker room after the game, Zusi said, "I think we got out-fought tonight and I can honestly say that it's the first time that our team, that's happened to us this year. I can pretty much promise you that it won't happen again. We just flat got out-fought. They capitalized on a couple of mistakes by us, and credit to them, they played the game pretty well. They had a game plan and they stuck to it pretty well."

Sporting Kansas City head back out on the road next week to try to get back on track. They head to Toyota Park to take on the Chicago Fire on Saturday, May 12th, at 7:30 p.m. CDT. The game will be televised on KSMO-TV.

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David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy: I've got some really bad news for you, sir.

For all of the honors you have garnered in the Premier League, in La Liga, in international play and in Major League Soccer, the bottom line is this: You are not going to the London 2012 Summer Olympics to waste your time with Team Great Britain.

They don't need you. Plain and simple. How you seem to have all these false illusions and sense of security that you would be on the team because you have the icon status is beyond me.

You're not going.

Look at all the set piece opportunities you had in Saturday's game against the New York Red Bulls. All were cleared or wide of the goal. Your finishing is diabolical. Your style of long-ball passing is worthy of a gong show.

And a really hilarious gong show at that.

Stuart Pearce, against all my expectations, was at this match. He is going to cut you from the roster and you know it. You knew you couldn't make a mistake in creating chances for the Galaxy attack, so why did you do it multiple times?

Heck, you can't even finish a shot from an angle. Can't even spare Los Angeles some deep red blushes against the New York Red Bulls and at least salvage a draw?

That brings me to the question, why would Pearce waste his time here?

Sure the food and sights of Los Angeles have their own uniqueness, but why bother? What is the point? To see you, and hope and pray that you would pull out a miracle and make it easy for him to keep you in the running?

You're 37. The best years of your game are behind you. Team Great Britain is better off without your help. That is my opinion, and I am sure that is also Pearce's opinion.

Of course, you can still watch the Games live—after all, you are a multi-million-dollar athlete—but that would be like ditching the Galaxy for AC Milan, and we all know how that turned out the first time.

Bottom line is this, Becks: you're stuck with us.

You're stuck with finishing out your career as a member of the L.A. Galaxy. It's not like Team Great Britain is going to medal anyway—after all, it IS Team Great Britain—but what is the point in causing so much trouble for your mother country.

The Los Angeles Galaxy need you more than the Olympic movement in London. And that, my friend, is the bottom line.

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The Los Angeles Galaxy have discovered a new, revolutionary way of playing the beautiful game of soccer.

How do they do this? By sticking both middle fingers in the face of everything that makes it beautiful and sacred, and in effect, turn the game into a comedy show of horrors. That, ladies and gentlemen, is gong show soccer, and no one does it better than Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy.

Mutilate the stat sheets, we don't care. What matters is that LA uses it as a create way to drop games. A solid example of gong show soccer: the 1-0 shutout loss to the New York Red Bulls at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. on Cinco de Mayo.

Let's go in depth at this tasty little disasterpiece that unfolded in Bleacher Report's player ratings. Don't hold your breath!

Bill Gaudette 5

Quiet night. Save for failing to stop the most diminutive of scorers in Joel Lindpere, Gaudette had a quiet night in making stops, and was restricted to collections.

Actually, he was better off being quiet, because according to the unwritten rules of gong show soccer, a quiet night is better than a terrible night ratings-wise. So there!

Todd Dunivant 5

Good ball distribution, did mark the midfielders well, otherwise nothing too remarkable.

Tommy Meyer 5.5

Meyer gets bonus points for trying to make a run and create a chance. The defensive back line, in spite of the defeat, actually played decent, if close to.

A.J. DeLaGarza 6

Once again, whenever there is a defeat, it's players like A.J. DeLaGarza that will get the man of the match. Had speed to stop most of the runs, and marked his men as a good defender should. Also generated some good sequences, but the midfield couldn't pass the message on.

Sean Franklin 4.5

Worst defender out there. The long-ball passing backfired for Franklin, and he couldn't find anyone on the crosses. Didn't get a lot of touches, either.

Landon Donovan 3.5

If the captain has a poor game, the team is most likely to lose. Very lousy night for Landon; he was responsible for giving up the Joel Lindpere goal in the 19th minute and an average AYSO player could have done better with the finishing. Gong show-worthy.

Which brings up a question: is Landon Donovan going back to Everton, this time on a contract?

David Beckham 1

This is the first time ever I am giving David Beckham the lowest rating possible. You have Stuart Pearce watching all this, and you underwhelm so much that there has to be a gong strategically placed on the touch line, with a chimp ready to strike it. No Olympics for you, Beckham. You're stuck here. 

Juninho 2

Another prisoner of bad passing, and not only did he fail to make good passes, his touch was diabolical. Cue a few gong strikes. 

Mike Magee 1.5

Bad passing, worse finishing. The Magee Magic has clearly left Mike Magee, and he knows it.

Robbie Keane 2

Too much complaining, not enough football. Smarten up, laddie, you're paid the big bucks to execute, not flail like an argumentative chicken in a gong show.

Edson Buddle 1.5

The finish was bad, the passing bad, every facet of Edson Buddle's game was bad. Perhaps the "Budson" moniker should be changed to "Badson"?

Chad Barrett 2

Chad Barrett is only getting a two because he finished like Chad Barrett. The problem here is that he finishes like Chad Barrett. The goal is on the ground, not in the air. Coordinate mix-ups are criminal in this game.

Unless, of course, you are playing by the unwritten rules of gong show soccer. Then it's understandable.

Pat Noonan 4

Quiet night from Noonan, didn't do much to affect the outcome.

Michael Stephens NR

Came into the game late, no rating given.

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Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy dropped yet another contest in Major League Soccer, this time to the New York Red Bulls, 2-1, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Joel Lindpere scored the only goal of the match for the Red Bulls (5-3-1, 16 points), while LA drop to 3-5-1 (10 points) and are destined to return to the bottom of the MLS Western Conference standings.

Here are six things we learned from Saturday's match.

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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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Thierry Henry is out with a hamstring injury, but Major League Soccer moves on without him to the tune of nine games this weekend.

We've got a team captain returning to his old club, a youngster trying to replace a legend and Toronto just hoping to stop losing eventually.

Here are 10 key matchups to watch this weekend in MLS.

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Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy are once again on the hunt for a victory, and they get their chance at home against Hans Backe's New York Red Bulls, who will be without the services of Thierry Henry. Los Angeles currently sit near the bottom of the ultra-competitive Major League Soccer Western Conference table with a record of 3-4-1 (10 points).

They need a win to keep up with the pace set by teams like the San Jose Earthquakes, Real Salt Lake, the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Seattle Sounders.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN and ESPN Deportes. The live blog will begin at approximately 6:15 p.m. ET.

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

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Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy come into the Home Depot Center straggling on their hands and knees when they host the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. With a record of 3-4-1, the Galaxy are off the pace in the MLS Western Conference and need a positive result against a New York team that is near the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings at 4-3-1.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Here are 10 bold predictions for this contest.

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Rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara has had quite a season since being drafted 31st overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.

On Tuesday, his stock rose again, with a call-up to the Ireland under-21 national team.

However, New York Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe decided he won’t let Meara go to a camp at the end of the month that culminates in a friendly against Denmark and a European Championship qualifier against Italy.

Backe told Big Apple Soccer:

I just told him we will turn it down. He wants to play; I don’t want [it], so that’s why.

Backe’s decision in this situation was terrible. At the very least, he should back it up with more than just that he doesn’t want Meara to play.

The friendly against Denmark is June 4, at the start of a weeklong international break in the MLS schedule. However, because it’s just an under-21 call-up, the Red Bulls aren’t required to release Meara to Noel King’s Irish team.

Still, getting a rookie goalkeeper more experience at a high level would be good for both the player and the team. There are only benefits to be had from letting Meara play for Ireland.

New York doesn’t have any games during that stretch. Why not let Meara go and get some international playing experience?

As a player, being selected for a national team is the highest honor in the game. Meara’s mild demeanor precludes any sort of temper tantrum, but he has to be at least mildly disappointed in his coach’s decision.

There must be more at play that Backe isn’t telling the media. He was evasive in his discussion with Big Apple Soccer:

It’s stupid. I’m not commenting on it.

It’s hard to see how any of his players playing for a national team would be “stupid.”

If Backe is concerned about Meara’s recovery from international travel and how it would affect his form for the Red Bulls, that’s one thing. But he was fine with Thierry Henry traveling to and from London in about a day’s time in March.

Those circumstances were much different, but the principle is the same.

To his credit, Meara handled the situation diplomatically. He told MLSSoccer.com:

I got called in for the U-21s, but the Red Bulls would rather me stay here and focus on continuing to win games here. My main focus is here as well. We have a great team, and I think the goal is [to win] the MLS Cup, so that’s all I’m focusing on.

Meara, a Yonkers, N.Y., native, qualifies for the Irish team because of his grandparents. He also qualifies because of his impressive first year as a pro so far.

The 21-year-old earned his first shutout last Saturday, as a depleted Red Bulls defense held off the New England Revolution for a 1-0 win at Red Bull Arena.

Meara and New York will be in action again on Saturday, as the Red Bulls travel across the country to play the Los Angeles Galaxy. The game is at 8 p.m. EDT and will be televised live on ESPN.

Liviu Bird writes for Bleacher Report and Prost Amerika. He is finishing his journalism degree and playing professional soccer for the Kitsap Pumas. Follow Liviu on Twitter.

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