Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Sporting Kansas City: Rating the Galaxy Players

Improvements, improvements, improvements. Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy were in need of an improved game and they got it, shutting out Sporting Kansas City 2-0 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy improve to 3-1-2 (11 points) but will need to build on this result in order to chase FC Dallas at the top of the MLS Western Conference standings.

April 20, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Marcelo Sarvas (8) meets with ball kids following the 2-0 victory against Sporting KC at Home Depot Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Here are the player ratings for the Los Angeles Galaxy against Sporting Kansas City.

Carlo Cudicini 6

A quiet night for Carlo Cudicini: only two saves, and the distribution was shoddy (44 percent pass success rate), according to the Opta Chalkboard. Cudicini was helped out by a solid back line on Saturday.

Omar Gonzalez 7.5

Only a 67 percent pass success rate, but tempered by eight clearances, eiaght recoveries and three tackles won. Business as usual for Gonzalez.

A.J. DeLaGarza 8

A 72 percent pass success rate, four interceptions, six clearances and four recoveries. Every interception and clearance that DeLaGarza prevented a major scoring opportunity for Sporting. Best-performing defender from LA.

Todd Dunivant 7

A .5 deduction for a 59 percent pass success rate, but otherwise Dunivant put on a good showing with six clearances and six recoveries.

Sean Franklin 7

April 20, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini (1) meets with fans following the 2-0 victory against Sporting KC at Home Depot Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Franklin had a 68 percent pass success rate to go with seven clearances, two interceptions, two recoveries and two tackles won. A solid performance on the right side.

Landon Donovan 9

Welcome back, Landon Donovan. Despite still being a little rusty at times, but he bagged a goal and an assist. Donovan could have gotten a brace, but his volley in the 78th minute was too high. Donovan also had 10 recoveries, five lay offs, three interceptions and a 79 percent pass success rate.

Marcelo Sarvas 8

15 recoveries, 10 tackles, three tackles and an 82 percent pass success rate paced Marcelo Sarvas on Saturday night. Sarvas broke open the scoring deadlock in the first half, although Sporting fans will argue for a handball for days on end.

Mike Magee 6.5

Not a good night for Mike Magee, with a 64 percent pass success rate, two recoveries, one interception, one clearance and a tackle lost.

Juninho 7.5

April 20, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy mascot Cozmo celebrates the 2-0 victory against Sporting KC at Home Depot Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Nine recoveries and three interceptions for Juninho, to go with an 87 percent pass success rate, a 50 percent cross success rate, two lay offs, a key pass and a through ball. Just another night out for the young Brazilian.

Jack McBean 5.5

The young veteran continues to take his lumps, with a shot off target, a blockes shot, three recoveries, three lay offs and a 64 percent pass success rate on 11 touches.

Robbie Keane 7