Donovan's goal clinches playoff spot for L.A.
Posted: 09.12.2011 at 3:29 PM
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CARSON, CALIF. (AP) -- Landon Donovan's goal gave Los Angeles a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Friday night and made the Galaxy the first Major League Soccer team to clinch a playoff berth.

Donovan scored his league high-tying 12th goal in the 36th minute off a feed from Sean Franklin to help the Galaxy (15-3-10) remain unbeaten in 14 home matches.

David Beckham started the goal-scoring sequence near the right sideline, playing a short pass to Chad Barrett, who knocked it to a streaking Franklin. Following a dribble, Franklin beat the Rapids' last line of defense with a pass to Donovan, who was left unguarded and finished with a low strike.

The defending champion Rapids (10-8-11) have lost two straight following a six-game unbeaten streak.

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)