Keane's LA Galaxy open MLS season with 2-0 win over Chicago

CARSON, Calif. - Jose Villarreal scored in the 65th minute, Robbie Keane added a late goal and the defending champion LA Galaxy opened the 20th MLS season Friday night with a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Fire.

Brian Rowe earned the shutout with just one save in a dominant performance by the Galaxy just three months after they raised their third MLS Cup trophy in four seasons at StubHub Center.

The Galaxy are unbeaten in 17 league games at home since March 8, 2014.

Retired star Landon Donovan joined his former teammates on the field for a brief pregame ceremony honoring MLS' first five-time champion franchise in front of a sellout crowd. The Galaxy hung a large temporary banner above the video board to honor the 2014 MLS Cup champions.

Villarreal, a native of nearby Inglewood, capitalized on the first chance to fill Donovan's spot on the left side of the Galaxy's midfield. After a handful of early near-misses, he buried a quick shot when two Chicago defenders failed to clear Stefan Ishizaki's cross.

Keane then delivered another score in the 81st minute with a vicious volley, picking up where he left off as last season's MLS MVP. The Galaxy's Irish captain scored 19 goals in 29 games last season.

Donovan, who turned 33 years old Wednesday, received warm hugs from his former teammates. Villarreal and Kenney Walker started in midfield in the absence of Donovan and Marcelo Sarvas, who was traded to Colorado.

Coach Bruce Arena plans to try several strategies to fill the gap between Donovan's retirement and former England captain Steven Gerrard's arrival from Liverpool in July.

The Galaxy dominated possession and didn't allow a Chicago shot to reach their net in the first half. But their inability to finish numerous scoring chances left Keane throwing his hands in the air in frustration. Villarreal notably had a point-blank chance in front of goal in the 41st minute, but sent it sailing high.

Before the game, the Galaxy re-signed forward Edson Buddle, a 100-goal MLS scorer who could help up front.