Carson, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Kofi Opare's first MLS goal in the 68th minute was enough for the Los Angeles Galaxy to claim a 1-0 win over the Montreal Impact at the StubHub Center on Wednesday, moving the club a bit closer to a playoff berth.
The Galaxy was playing without Landon Donovan and Omar Gonzalez because of injuries, while Robbie Keane came off the bench after playing for Ireland on Tuesday.
But Opare stepped up in the absence of the team's star players by scoring in his fourth start for the club and helping the Galaxy move into a tie for third place with Seattle in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles will clinch a playoff spot with a win or draw against San Jose on Sunday, while Montreal's struggles continued as the Impact has earned just one point from its last six games to remain in a tie for fourth place in the East.
Montreal created a few early chances but the Galaxy gradually took over as the first half wore on.
Gyasi Zardes struck the post shortly before halftime for the Galaxy and Jose Villarreal also went close on the hour mark.
The goal arrived in the 68th minute when a corner kick led to a scramble in front of the net that saw Opare pounce and score from six yards.
Los Angeles then had two great chances to extend its lead in the last 10 minutes as Marcelo Sarvas struck the crossbar with a nice curling shot on the turn before Keane's delicate chip beat goalkeeper Evan Bush but also hit the woodwork.
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