Juninho's goal in the 29th minute lifted the Los Angeles Galaxy to a 1-0 win over Club Motagua on Thursday night, clinching a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals.
With the teams trading chances, the Brazilian midfielder put Los Angeles ahead with a looping shot that went over the head of Motagua goalkeeper Donaldo Morales. The goal was Juninho's sixth in all competitions for the Galaxy and his fifth from beyond the box.
''We were fortunate to get a great goal by Juninho, and our team understood how to protect the lead in the 2nd half and did a great job,'' head coach Bruce Arena said. ''I'm really pleased and proud of our team and I have nothing but the greatest respect for Motagua, they came out and played us hard tonight.''
Motagua had a number of chances on net, but goalkeeper Josh Saunders preserved the win.
Los Angeles earned the victory without Landon Donovan or Robbie Keane. Donovan began the game on the bench due to a nagging quad injury and finished with 29 minutes of play while Keane remained out due to an adductor strain.
The Galaxy finished tied atop Group A with Mexican club Morelia and Corsta Rican club Alajuelense, but Los Angeles got first place due to the goal differential tiebreaker.
''We knew that this tournament was going to be difficult, but we're fortunate because we have a lot of guys that have been through a lot of these games and know what to expect,'' said Donovan. ''It was not an easy game tonight and our guys did a great job.''
While the Galaxy were received with hostility in away from home in their first two road matches, it was much different in Honduras. The Estadio Nacional was peppered with Galaxy jerseys as well as those of Donovan and David Beckham. It was Beckham, who received the warmest reception among the crowd receiving scores of cheers throughout the match.
''It's been a really good trip, we've been treated really well by the people here and been looked after very well,'' Beckham said. ''We want to thank them as a country and as a city because the reception after the stadium was a great atmosphere and a great atmosphere to play in as well. ... It makes it even more special when you go home with three points.''
In the quarters, the Galaxy could face Salvadorian club Isidro Metapan, Toronto FC or the Seattle Sounders. Regardless of the opponent, the Galaxy were extremely pleased to reach the next round.
''It's important to advance because of who we are and what team we play for,'' said Beckham. ''It was a big game tonight and we showed our character winning 1-0 and we're very happy to be through to the next round because when you play for a club like the Galaxy it's expected of you.''
