LA Galaxy’s comeback bid falls short as Sounders win a 4-3 thriller

The Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders played in a thriller at Century Link Stadium in Washington that ultimately ended up favoring the home team.

After the lackluster first half, the Galaxy fell behind when Raúl Ruidíaz scored a goal in stoppage time right before the teams went to the lockers. The deficit grew by two after Cristian Roldan scored the first of his two goals in the 55th minute.

The Angeleno side looked a little lost and lacked energy. Guillermo Barros-Schelotto made a brilliant adjustment by bringing in Joe Corona who injected some life into the Galaxy.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who had been relatively quiet most of the game, made his impact felt in the 66th minute by scoring on a header despite being guarded by two defenders.

Eight minutes later, Uriel Antuna equalized the game for the Galacticos. The Mexican International found himself at the perfect spot to tap in a ball that ricochets off Ibrahimovic following a shot attempt from Cristian Pavon.

Just as the tide was turning in favor of the Galaxy, the home team struck back. Jordan Morris and Ruidíaz’ give-and-go sets up Morris on a one-on-one versus David Bingham. The Seattle striker would then beat the Galaxy goalkeeper to put his team ahead once again.

The game continued to wow the fans in attendance and watching on television as the Galaxy scored their third goal of the night to tie things up. Jorgen Skjelvik found himself wide-open on a breakaway and injected Los Angeles with some hope.

Just as the Galaxy pushed the lines forward, Seattle would capitalize off a defensive mistake. In the 89th minute, Julian Araujo, who had just been brought on, lost the ball to Brad Smith who makes a run with Araujo trailing him. Smith is then able to beat Julian and crossed the ball that found Roldan on the right side of the goal, and the California native scored the game-winner.

The Galaxy nearly pulled off something that hasn’t happen in four years, and that is beat the Sounders at home after they score first. The defeat is a devastating blow to LA’s post-season hopes, but the Western Conference is so close that the Galaxy still controls their destiny.