The Los Angeles Galaxy look to be a strong bet to return to MLS Cup after the reigning champions claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC in the first leg of the Western Conference final at The Home Depot Center on Sunday.

Seattle is making its first-ever appearance at this stage in the playoffs, but it appears to be coming to an abrupt end as Robbie Keane scored twice and added an assist on Mike Magee's goal to lead the Galaxy to a three-goal cushion.

Keane opened the scoring just before halftime when Landon Donovan chipped an inch-perfect ball to the back post. The Irishman was unmarked and calmly snapped his header past Sounders goalkeeper Michael Gspurning.

Magee doubled the advantage in the 64th minute. Keane began a counter attack that went through Sean Franklin and eventually ended up with Magee sweeping home his third playoff goal of the season and the eighth of his career.

Keane put Los Angeles firmly in the driver's seat three minutes later when he tucked home Christian Wilhelmsson's slow-rolling attempt on goal.

Seattle was able to claim an impressive second-leg victory at Rio Tinto Stadium against Real Salt Lake in its previous playoff series, but its three- goal deficit against Los Angeles may be too high of a mountain for the Sounders to climb in the return match at CenturyLink Field on Sunday.

Game Notes