Galaxy Beat Rapids 3-1 Behind McBean Brace
- Updated: June 21, 2017
Jack McBean had not scored since March of 2013 when the LA Galaxy played Chivas USA. On Wednesday night in Colorado, McBean bagged a brace to help lift the Galaxy over the Rapids 3-1.
LA got the scoring going in the fifth minute but a Dillon Serna strike equalized the game to head to the half. McBean continued where he left off, scoring again in the second half to re-take the lead for the Galaxy. Romain Alessandrini slotted home a penalty to give the Galaxy a cushion and hold onto the win.
The Rapids have been strong in recent games, with a four-game win-streak ahead of the game against the Galaxy.
Jose and Jaime Villarreal both started together for the first time as Clement Diop earned a second consecutive start following a blunder in the Galaxy’s 2-2 draw with the Houston Dynamo.
#LAGalaxy Starting XI: Diop; Smith, Romney, Van Damme, Cole; Ja. Villarreal, João Pedro; Zardes, Jo. Villarreal, Boateng; McBean #COLvLA pic.twitter.com/EwWL5e84gx
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) June 22, 2017
Jose Villarreal could have been awarded a penalty when he was dragged down in the box only 20 seconds into the game. The Rapids nearly scored twice inside the first few minutes of the game but two attempts missed the frame of Diop’s goal.
Colorado was under pressure from the Galaxy and a poor clearance was pounced on by Jack McBean, who looked up and curled a shot into the top corner to beat Tim Howard and give the Galaxy an early 1-0 lead.
.@jackmcbean with an absolute beauty. #COLvLA pic.twitter.com/xSqNcreTjp
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) June 22, 2017
Colorado tied it up after a low shot from Dillon Serna found the bottom corner of the goal after Dominique Badji took a poor touch at the top of the box.
.@SernaDillon is BACK!!!!! He buries his first of 2017!!!!#Rapids96 | #COLvLA pic.twitter.com/jknp7dwDKG
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) June 22, 2017
The game was tied 1-1 at the half as both sides had their fair share of chances.
LA had opportunities in the second half, but Howard would either make the save or the Galaxy could not get the final touches right.
Eventually, the Galaxy got the breakthrough and it was once again through McBean. The ball was crossed by Joao Pedro into the path of McBean, who let it run through his legs as the striker flicked it beyond Howard in Johan Cruyff-esque style.
Jack McBrace. #COLvLA pic.twitter.com/dChZCHlWm7
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) June 22, 2017
After McBean gave them the lead, former LA “super sub” Alan Gordon came into the game for the Rapids.
In the 70th, Bradford Jamieson IV, who was subbed on just minutes before, streaked into the box and drew a penalty for LA. Romain Alessandrini, who was also subbed on in the same minute as Jamieson, stepped up to take the penalty and converted in the fashion of a panenka.
Riiiiiiiiiiight down the middle. #COLvLA pic.twitter.com/PqsufrGksk
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) June 22, 2017
The Galaxy’s defense stayed solid, along with Diop, who made some strong saves, helping to redeem himself after last week’s blunder.
The win gives LA a record of 5-2-1 on the road, which is the best in MLS, and increases the team’s unbeaten run to eight games. LA is set for a quick turnaround when the team travels home to play Sporting Kansas City on Saturday.
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