Galaxy's Gordon fit for conference semifinal

With one MLS playoff start under his belt, LA Galaxy forward Alan Gordon is relishing the opportunity for a second, and, thankfully for the veteran, he appears fit to do so.

Started up top in Bruce Arena's 4-2-3-1 formation Wednesday against Real Salt Lake in a Western Conference first-round tilt, Gordon was influential in bagging one goal while assisting on both of Ema Boateng's tallies in a 3-1 victory before coming off in the 52nd minute for Robbie Keane.

Good news for Galaxy supporters: after Gordon limped off with a hip concern, Arena confirmed that the 35-year-old will be set to play in the conference semi on Sunday against the Colorado Rapids.

"He's fine. He's not going to have a problem," Arena told Marc Serber of mlsoccer.com after the win at the StubHub Center.

Related: Boateng brace pushes LA Galaxy past Real Salt Lake, into West semifinals

With Landon Donovan, Giovani Dos Santos, and Boateng in an attacking three in support of Gordon, the Galaxy were fluid going forward.

"He knows where the goal is. You don't have to point him in the right direction," Arena said about Gordon. "He holds the ball up, he gets in front of the goal, he works real hard and he did his job today."

Arena also explained why his tactics against Salt Lake were successful.

"That's a team we've been playing with over the last two or three weeks, getting them ready for the playoffs," he said of the formation. "They've been training together. They know each other. They know their responsibilities. I thought they played in a very cohesive manor. This is the best collective effort we've had in a while."

With Gordon fit for Sunday's semi, that attack will likely be on display once more as Arena and Co. attempt to frustrate Colorado's stingy defense. The Rapids conceded a league-low 32 goals in finishing second to FC Dallas in the Western Conference.