Nate Jaqua scored an opportunistic goal in the 17th minute, and backup goalkeeper Steve Cronin made the narrow lead stand up as the Los Angeles Galaxy held off the Columbus Crew 1-0 in a U.S. Open Cup qualifier Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio.

"Win & You’re In"

New York Red Bulls at Los Angeles Galaxy May 8th - 10:30 p.m. EST Real Salt Lake at Colorado Rapids May 23rd - 9:00 p.m. EST

With the victory, the Galaxy will play host to the New York Red Bulls, with the winner earning a spot in the U.S. Open Cup. The date and time of the match will be announced Wednesday.

Landon Donovan set up the lone goal, cruising down the left side and sending a cross into the box. Crew keeper Bill Gaudette, though, mishandled the ball and Jaqua swooped in and scored the easy goal to give last year’s U.S. Open Cup runners-up the early advantage.

Cronin was called upon to make two key saves in the first half, the first on Danny Szetela’s shot from about 20 yards out in the 21st minute, then on a free kick by Andy Herron in the 36th.

Gaudette stopped two shots before leaving the match with a leg injury in the 34th minute. Andy Gruenebaum, Columbus’ regular starting keeper, came in and also made two saves in the rematch of the 2002 U.S. Open Cup final. Five years ago at Crew Stadium, it was Columbus that scored a first half goal and held on for the 1-0 win to capture their first championship.