D.C. United 0 - L.A. Galaxy 0

The Los Angeles Galaxy and D.C. United played to a scoreless tie on Saturday night.

The Galaxy got their share of chances early, but failed to capitalize on them time after time. Shortly into the game, Cobi Jones sent in a cross that found Nate Jaqua in the penalty area. But Jaqua's shot sailed high over the crossbar and his string of missed chances continued.

It wasn't just Jaqua who couldn't capitalize - Landon Donovan had a prime opportunity to blast the Galaxy into the lead just before halftime but his shot was nowhere near the target. As the announcers say in FIFA '07, "You could put a goal on top of the goal and that still wouldn't have gone in."

After 70 minutes, the game was still knotted at 0-0. With L.A. on a counter-attack, Landon Donovan drew D.C. goalie Troy Perkins out of the net and slid the ball over to a charging Cobi Jones. But once again, the Galaxy failed to score as Jones' shot at an empty net was blocked by Brian Namoff.

The game ended in a 0-0 tie, the same way it started. Both sides had good chances - Galaxy keeper Joe Cannon was called on to make five saves on the night - but neither club could finish.

The MLS Zone Galaxy player ratings:
Cannon 6
Russell 4
Marshall 5
Veris 6
Harden 5
Jones (1st half 6, 2nd half 4)
Sturgis 4
Vagenas 5
Jaqua 3
Quaranta 4
Donovan 4

Subs:
Findley 4
Randolph 5

Final Thoughts: I liked the play of Kyle Veris in central defense tonight. He reminds me of a smaller version of Oguchi Onyewu and was dominating at times. I've defended Nate Jaqua enough. He's blown too many quality chances... and he can just be frustrating to watch. It's like he only runs at one speed and doesn't have that other gear that most athletes can switch on when needed. At this point Cobi Jones and Santino Quaranta are only good for about 45 minutes each. Nathan Sturgis turns the ball over too much. The Galaxy really could've used Kyle Martino tonight.

Pros:
- Got a point and avoided falling into the MLS cellar.
- Defense looked better and didn't allow any goals.
- Kyle Veris should be able to fill at least one of the holes in the Galaxy back-line.
- Pre-game concert by Kinky was actually pretty tight.

Cons:
- Nate Jaqua is still on the team.
- Ian Russell left the game with an injury in the 2nd half.
- Only managed one shot on goal.