The originals

It wasn't the first-ever victory for Chivas USA over the Galaxy but in many ways Thursday's win was a convincing win and possibly signaled an end to the lopsidedness of the rivalry. Even Ante Razov said that now Chivas is now in the rivalry following the win.

Still, it was fitting that the three remaining players from the 2005 season were on the field to play significant roles for Chivas USA.

- Brad Guzan: solid against most, ineffective against the Galaxy, Guzan picked up his first win and his first shutout against the Galaxy. Though he wasn't called upon to make many clutch saves, he did well to help organize the backline and was his usual physical presence in the box.

- Orlando Perez: Jonathan Bornstein is Chivas USA's best left back but Perez is an admirable fill-in. Perez doesn't have Bornstein's pace nor can he move up and down the left flank to help the attack but Perez was strong on his side and helped Chivas pick up their second shutout over the Galaxy.

- Francisco Mendoza: His best game of the season by far was on Thursday. Perhaps not starting in Toronto lit a fire under him or maybe the three-week break from league play allowed him to refocus. Whatever the situation, Mendoza on Thursday was the kind of player the club had expected him to be all along. His goal was merely insurance but it was memorable to him for several reasons. Panchito sort of symbolized the series to an extent as he has typically been the Chivas player who most often takes the physical beating from the Galaxy, and Thursday was no different. Abel Xavier flattened Mendoza from behind as he got Panchito's ankle from behind in the first half. Panchito was dangerous in the attack the rest of the way and was a factor in the club's last two goals.