Galaxy Snap Skid, Beat Crew 2-1
- Updated: September 4, 2016
After a long and confusing week for Galaxy fans, one that included the transfer of one of the clubs key players and an injury to another, it was finally all about what happened on the pitch Saturday Evening as Los Angeles took on the Columbus Crew.
After a 7 game winless streak, Los Angeles would certainly be looking to turn the corner with the playoffs coming up quickly.
Without Robbie Keane, Gyasi Zardes, Jelle Van Damme and of course Nigel De Jong (Bye Nigel) the Galaxy would be a little short-handed. Sometimes a change of personnel is exactly what the doctor ordered and in this one that certainly appeared to be the case.
#LAGalaxy XI: Rowe; Rogers, Steres, DLG, Cole; Mendiola, Larentowicz, Lletget, Boateng; Dos Santos, Magee #LAvCLBpic.twitter.com/7JRpkN4FMc
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) September 4, 2016
Los Angeles came out clicking early and the speed that Sebastian Lletget and Emmanuel Boateng brought was very evident. Lletget especially had himself a great game as his movement freed up plenty of opportunities for this teammates. A couple of fancy back-heel passes in the first half and a great shot on Crew keeper Steve Clark in the second almost welcomed him right into that new central midfielder role. Either way it was a great performance from the 24 year-old who celebrated his birthday Saturday.
Despite the great pace the Galaxy put forth neither club could find the back of the net in the first. Rowe was challenged quite a bit and had to make a few more saves than his counterpart Clark, but of course Brian did exactly what we’ve come to expect from him and stayed strong between the posts.
The second half maintained the same energy for Los Angeles but it wouldn’t be until the 78th minute it would be start to make a difference as Baggio Husidic drilled a howler from way outside the box! If this one isn’t the MLS Goal of the Week winner I would be shocked.
WHAT. A. HIT. 🚀#LAvCLBhttps://t.co/y8tYs4Ugs7
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) September 4, 2016
And after that momentous strike, it only took a couple more minutes for Giovani Dos Santos to do what we’ve seen him do time and time again. CHIP THAT KEEPER! Gio pushes one over Clark and puts the Galaxy up 2-0 in the 82nd minute.
.@OficialGio loves the chip. 😍#LAvCLB#ThingsGioCanChippic.twitter.com/ULoOIMvXBM
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) September 4, 2016
Los Angeles must’ve been even happier they got that chip from Dos Santos to drop in the back of the net because that insurance goal would be much needed.
Columbus wouldn’t let the Galaxy leave this one with a clean sheet as Crew forward Adam Jahn punched one by Rowe off a deflection from a saved penalty in additional time to make it 2-1 but that is where this game would finish.
Bruce Arena finally takes home his 200th career MLS win after a long wait through the difficult month of August for his club.
A much needed Galaxy win with only 7 games remaining in the MLS season. The Galaxy are still sitting safely in that fourth seed in the Western Conference with 43 points.
The next Los Angeles matchup will take place Wednesday against Real Salt Lake in Utah as the team will go for its second straight victory. Thanks for reading along Galaxy fans, we hope every game for the rest of this season ends as well as this one!