LA Galaxy overturns early deficit, runs over Sporting Kansas City in MLS.
LA Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City faced each other Sunday night with a critical three points on the line as they both attempt to secure a spot in the playoffs. Los Galacticos have proven to be one of the candidates of surprise this season, while the ex-Wizards struggled to get past an attacking team.
Sporting Kansas opened up the scoreboard with a goal in the 24th minute of play by number 21, Felipe Gutierrez. The early minutes were a clear indication of the dominance by Sporting, before long however, a penalty would favor Los Galacticos as Zlatan Ibrahimovic would even things up in the 32nd minute. Zatlan’s initial shot would be blocked by the opposing goalie but a fortuitous rebound would allow him to simply push the ball into the back of the net . Both teams would leave the first half with a 1-1 draw.
Los Galacticos, who have a history of starting off great and breaking down in the last crucial moments of the match, we’re not content with the tie. It was at minute 48 when Joe Corona would receive a beauty from Cristian Pavon atop the keepers box scoring his first goal for the Galaxy and give the home team their first lead of the night.
Soon after, Pavon would continue his beautiful play as he delivers a cross into the the 18-yard box for Ibrahimovic. Ibrahimovic would bring it in, control it and place it on his left foot as he would score his second of the night and give Los Galacticos a comfortable 3-1 lead. With his second of the night, Ibra would surpass Galaxy legend Pescadito Ruiz for most goals in a season for the LA Galaxy.
The night was looking tough for Sporting Kansas City as they received 4 more goals during the second half, making the total score 7-2 favoring the home team. Uriel Antuna would get a score, Sebastian Lletget scored a brace and Zlatan ended the night with a hat trick, as well as with the Galaxy’s single season scoring record. With one of the highest scoreboards this week in MLS, Los Galacticos pushed to the 5th spot in the Western Conference table. Sporting will find it hard to obtain a playoff spot as they land 9th in the table.
