Galaxy advances in Cup qualifying

Forward Nate Jaqua scored his first competitive goal for the Galaxy since being acquired from the Chicago Fire and it proved the difference Tuesday night as the Galaxy defeated the Columbus Crew, 1-0, in a U.S. Open Cup qualifying game in Columbus, Ohio.

The decisive strike came in the 17th minute and was caused in part by a fumble by Crew goalkeeper Bill Gaudette.

The Galaxy’s Landon Donovan set off on a weaving run through the Crew defense on the left flank, then sent what was intended as a cross into the penalty area. Instead, the miss-hit ball flew straight to Gaudette.

But the goalkeeper couldn’t find the handle and dropped the ball, leaving onrushing Jaqua with the simple task of steering it into the net from close range.

At the other end, Steve Cronin was filling in for Galaxy starter Joe Cannon and earned the shutout.

The victory was the first of the season for the Galaxy, which tied and lost its first two Major League Soccer games. The Galaxy will play the New York Red Bulls in the second round of qualifying.