IN-FORM IRELAND STRIKER Robbie Keane was on the mark again as he got his hands on some silverware last night.
The Dubliner led the LA Galaxy to the Western Conference title despite a 2-1 away defeat to the Seattle Sounders.
The defending champions advanced to the final of the MLS Cup Playoffs thanks to a 4-2 aggregate.
Earlier, Houston Dynamo set up a rematch with LA in the decider after they prevailed in their semi-final.
Houston managed a 1-1 draw away to DC United in the second leg of their tie on Sunday, enough for a 4-2 aggregate win and a place in the season decider on December 1.
LA and Houston met in the final of the 2011 MLS Cup, when Landon Donovan’s goal saw Galaxy win 1-0 and record their third championship victory in the competition’s history. Houston earned a shot at avenging that defeat thanks to Oscar Boniek Garcia’s 33rd-minute strike at RFK Stadium.
Branko Boskovic got one back for DC with seven minutes remaining, but it arrived too late for the home side to mount a fight-back.
Later, goals from Eddie Johnson and Zach Scott saw the Sounders take a 2-0 lead at home to the Galaxy, and close to within one goal of levelling their series. But Keane struck on 68 minutes from the spot to restore LA’s two-goal cushion, and the Sounders proved unable to force a way back into the contest.
Their challenge ended on a sour note when Osvaldo Alonso was sent off five minutes into time added on.
Very good read i cant wait for huge Gavin to play for them look’s like all irish side’s have plenty of dept and strength
Murray, you left Shayne Bolton out of your back 3 assessments, probably the most explosive back in the squad, behind Mack, of course!
@Mary Corrigan: Was that him running in tries against Glasgow? looks a tidy player.
@Thesaltyurchin: Yes, it was!
@Mary Corrigan: Hope he can stay healthy!!! Really want this lad to get some luck this season…Pace and Power bottled.
At some stage this season hoping that we have Santi @ FB, Mack and Bolton on the wings!!
That’s a tasty back 3!
I’ve a feeling Ioane is going to be a dud signing. The Chiefs fans I’ve come across online are delighted to be getting rid of him
@5sZl1dX2: Sometimes a player needs a change of scene to recapture his form
Some gems in the Connacht Squad, Gavin, Ioane, Cordero who should make their mark this season.I still feel Connacht is the IRFUs greatest uptapped opportunity for a number of reasons.
Firstly there are quality players at Leinster who wont get much game time, think Scott Penney, Harry Byrne or Rob Rusell. All would be in the mix for a Connacht European match day 23
Secondly the current Connacht squad is particularly week in the front five. Just investing in acquiring 3 international players at SR, LH and Hooker would substantially level up Connacht and make those European away games more winnable for them. Wish the IRFU would allocate a few million more to Connacht and help them move into ERC knock out contenders
@Owen ODonoghue: One thing connacht never lack for are speedy outside backs, so Russell might not get many more games than at Leinster. Penny would at best be 2nd choice at 7 to Moose, who was Connacht’s best player in a strong back row. You’re mostly right about the tight five, but our international locks (Dillane and Thornbury) moved on because Connacht couldn’t afford to hold onto them, especially with RO’G headhunting Dillane.