Los Angeles Galaxy defender Jelle Van Damme (37) congratulates forward Alan Gordon (9) for scoring against the Real Salt Lake during the first half of a knockout round MLS playoff soccer match in Carson, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
The Associated Press
CARSON, Calif. (AP) - Emmanuel Boateng scored two goals in eight minutes, Landon Donovan had an assist in his first start since 2014 and the Los Angeles Galaxy beat Real Salt Lake 3-1 on Wednesday night in the knockout round of the MLS playoffs.
Los Angeles (13-6-16) will play the Colorado Rapids in the first game of the two-leg Western Conference semifinals Sunday. Salt Lake (12-13-10) lost its final six road games.
Alan Gordon, who made his first start in the playoffs after 15 appearances as a substitute, opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Donovan crossed it and Giovani dos Santos' glancing header found Gordon wide open at the far post. It was Donovan's 15th playoff assist, which set a MLS record.
Boateng made it 2-1 in the 26th minute when he dribbled through several defenders at the top of the box and scored with the outside of his foot. He scored his fourth goal of the season - all against RSL - in the 34th minute by curling in a shot from a difficult angle.
RSL scored in the 21st minute on Joao Plata's penalty kick after Javier Morales went down easily in the penalty area. In the 85th, Kyle Beckerman had an open header hit the crossbar.
Real Salt Lake forward Juan Martinez, left, battles Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Sebastian Lletget, right, for the ball during the first half of a knockout round MLS playoff soccer match in Carson, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles Galaxy defender Jelle Van Damme, left, protects the ball from Real Salt Lake forward Olmes Garcia, right, during the first half of a knockout round MLS playoff soccer match in Carson, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Ema Boateng (24) fouls Real Salt Lake midfielder Javier Morales (11) in the box for a penalty kick during the first half of a knockout round MLS playoff soccer match in Carson, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
The Associated Press
Real Salt Lake forward Joao Plata (10) scores on a penalty kick against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the first half of a knockout round MLS playoff soccer match in Carson, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
The Associated Press
Real Salt Lake forward Juan Martinez, left, battles Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan, right, for the ball during the first half of a knockout round MLS playoff soccer match in Carson, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
The Associated Press
Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman, second right, celebrates a goal by forward Joao Plata (10) on a penalty kick against Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe, left, during the first half of a knockout round MLS playoff soccer match in Carson, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan, left, slides to tackle the ball away from Real Salt Lake forward Joao Plata, right, during the first half of a knockout round MLS playoff soccer match in Carson, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
The Associated Press