CARSON, Calif. -- Landon Donovan scored three goals and set up Robbie Keane's goal, propelling the L.A. Galaxy into the Western Conference finals with a 5-0 victory over Real Salt Lake on Sunday night.
Donovan extended his career for at least three more weeks with a hat trick in a brilliant effort for the four-time MLS Cup champion Galaxy, who haven't lost at home in 17 games since March 8.
Donovan announced he would retire after the season, but the most accomplished player in U.S. history is far from finished. He extended his own MLS record to 25 career playoff goals and left to a standing ovation.
The Galaxy will face the winner of the league-leading Sounders' series with FC Dallas, which concludes Monday night in Seattle.
Donovan also added his 13th postseason assist on an early pass to Keane, the Galaxy captain. Keane had three assists in the second half, including two brilliant setups for Donovan.
Marcelo Sarvas added a goal and an assist while contributing outstanding midfield play for the Galaxy.
L.A. thoroughly controlled possession while embarrassing Real, who eliminated the Galaxy from the postseason twice in the past five years.
The clubs played to a scoreless draw in Utah last week with a brilliant performance by Galaxy goalie Jaime Penedo, who only needed to make a handful of plays in the rematch.
After 10 opening minutes of balky soccer, Donovan abruptly put the Galaxy on top with an emphatic header on a pass from Sarvas. Ten minutes later, Keane capitalized on another sloppy bit of Real defending by hustling back onside just in time to smack home a pass from Donovan in the box.
The Galaxy were thoroughly in control heading into the second half, and it only got better. In the 54th minute, Keane slotted a brilliant pass between two defenders to a sprinting Donovan, who rounded goalie Nick Rimando and scored.
Donovan completed the hat trick on another chip from Keane in the 72nd minute.
Galaxy defender Leonardo left on a stretcher in the 36th minute after straining his right hamstring.