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Dos Santos scores as Galaxy knock off Sounders

Dos Santos-Galaxy-USATSI

Photo by Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today Sports Images

By MARK EDWARD HORNISH

Carson, Calif. — The LA Galaxy trotted out their new star-studded starting lineup for the first time, and it delivered with a dominating 3-1 win against a struggling Seattle Sounders before a sold-out crowd of 27,000 at the Stub Hub Center.

Two club veterans, Gyasi Zardes and Robbie Keane, netted for the home side to give the Galaxy the lead they never relinquished.

But it was the Galaxy’s third and final goal that brought the largest roar from the crowd, when newly signed Designated Player Giovani Dos Santos was sent in behind the Sounders back line with a flawless Robbie Keane through ball. The wide open Mexican international easily beat a helpless Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei with a low left-footed strike in the 64th minute to open his MLS account.

“I feel very happy. It was a difficult game. But the team did a great job, and I am happy for my goal, and for the victory of the team,” said Dos Santos in his post game news conference. “We have great players, with Stevie, with Juninho, they can pass the ball to me. We create a lot of chances. For me it’s easy to play with a team like this.”

It was not all sunshine for the Galaxy, however, as they opened the match by surrendering a goal in the first minute of play. Former Galaxy striker Chad Barrett, now a regular in the Sounders lineup since the injury to Obafemi Martins, split the napping Galaxy center backs and poked home a perfect Eric Friberg cross to give Seattle an unexpectedly early lead.

Zardes’ equalizer came in the 13th minute, when Juninho corralled a loose ball at the top of the penalty area and lobbed it forward toward the Sounders goal post. Zardes ran onto the dropping ball and rolled it underneath the sprawling Frei with the outside of his foot.

Keane gave the Galaxy the lead when he gathered a close pass from Dos Santos and struck the ball home from inside the six yard box. The assist was also a first for Dos Santos, and the goal was Keane’s 11th in all competitions this season.

“AJ [DeLaGarza] down the wing put a good ball into Gio, and Gio’s touch to me was good” said Keane about his goal. “once we got that goal, I think it was game over. The way we played, the way we moved the ball, we were very very good.”

The conditions were difficult for both sides today. Despite the fact that the Galaxy play on one of the better natural grass surfaces in North America, on field temperatures in the bright California sun approached 100º.

“Even though I’ve been here for five years, I’m still not used to this hot weather” laughed Keane after the match. “It was tough at times, but we pushed through. At least it’s not Houston.”

Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena concurred, while also suggesting that games be scheduled to avoid the conditions from playing a factor.

“I applaud both teams,” Arena said. “We shouldn’t be playing games at 1 o’clock in the afternoon in the summer months. This was really challenging for the players, and for our team to concede a goal early, and have to fight back in these conditions, it’s pretty good.”

In a strange twist of fate, Barrett went down with an injury immediately after scoring the Sounders’ only goal and had to come out of the game. Replays were inconclusive, but it appeared Barrett may have injured a hamstring while celebrating his early strike.

In addition to the loss of Barrett, the Sounders were without either of their first choice strikers, Martins and Clint Dempsey. Martins has been out for almost two months now with a groin strain, and Dempsey now appears to be dealing with a hamstring. Without any of their top three strikers, the Sounders attack was toothless, managing only six shots on the day.

The Sounders have now lost five games in a row. They will try to heal their wounds at home on Sunday, Aug. 16, against surging Orlando City SC.

The Galaxy, meanwhile, will take their star-studded show on the road. They will face FC Dallas in Texas on Saturday, Aug. 15.

Comments

  1. Look, I’m happy that GDS scored and assisted (on a bad first touch that fell to RK), but it’s hard to stomach that he’s getting all the attention in the heading of the article. Zardes scored the nicest of the 3 goals, Keane had the winner, Gio had the insurance goal. I was also annoyed with Adrian Heath squealing “it’s the Gio show!” when he scored. I get that the Mexican press would put that kind of slant on the game, but let’s not hand him the captain’s armband just yet.

    On the plus side, I was impressed with his English during the post-game interview. I didn’t realize he was fluent. So, good effort, kid. Work hard, stay humble, and the LAG fans will welcome you with open arms.

    Reply
    • The FrenchOne… the deal is that it’s rare for an MLS team to have success signing international stars that are young and in their prime. It’s a league thing. The promotion of GDS in LA is huge for not only LAGals, but for MLS. The ESPN national audience.. a player like GDS will get massive over promoted.

      RE: his fluency, he’s fluent in a few languages. Everything GDS thus far is nothing but great for Galaxy and the growth of the league.

      Reply
  2. It could just be me but why am I not hearing any mention of Lleget being on the Olympic Qualifying team coming up?? He’s only 22 and is clearly one of the best wingers in MLS right now and possibly on the US pool

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  3. Congrats Giovani

    Zardes goal makes ESPN TOP 10 play and was involved in the game till the whistle, Running, chasing, defending and not just bringing “hold up play” to the table

    Lletget seems really strong on the wing and making a statement for the USMNT

    Chad Marshall regardless of the scoreline put out a lot of fires

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  4. Obviously a lot of talent on the field for Galaxy flashing their potential. They still aren’t completely in synch together or in flow for long stretches. As mentioned above… the defense/CBs looked pretty vulnerable the rare times SEA applied pressure, especially to players splitting Leonardo and Gonzo/balls over the top. The good news is they are scoring goals and picking up points while they learn to play together. Can’t wait to see this group firing on all cylinders.

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  5. Lleget keeps impressing. Quick, incisive, and he’s got the first touch of a Spaniard. His quick pullback on Gordo’s hilarious miss was awesome, how many guys in the pool can do that?

    Agreed about playing the game in the heat. I understand trying to line up two big games every Sunday for TV purposes, but a game like this should be played at 5pm or later

    Reply
    • the easy solution would have been to swap the two games. Game in New York would be at 4pm, game in LA would have been at 7pm (4pm local).

      It just seems like such an easy fix. Of course, TV contracts were at stake, so, we all know nothing is easy and what is best for the fans and players will not be taken into consideration.

      Reply
  6. Galaxy seems to have the scoring touch in control now and should be lethal throughout the remainder of this season, however.. Leonardo brings out the worst in Omar! That center defense tandem is going to give up some sick goals. It is stunning why Bruce choses not to pair Gonzo with Delagarza in the middle. Leonardo has no pace and spends more time ball watching and day dreaming than any other defender that I’ve ever seen. DeLa.. has played beside Gonzo for about 10 years or so.. it’s a natural combination. Galaxy have a few other outside backs, specifically Gargan who would be an improvement over constantly giving Leonardo pitch time.

    Reply
    • I share your opinion and can’t understand Arena’s thinking. As i have written before, Leonardo is probably the most unskilled Brazilian player I have seen.

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      • Gary Page: When I see that #22 taking the pitch for the Gal’s, I shudder! The only think slower than his reaction time is his closing speed. He also gives up more corners than a hooker in So. Central LA.

    • Gargan played major minutes in the CCL game and Arena chose to rest him. When he does this. De La Garza moves to the right fullback and uses Leonardo paired with OG at center back. Leonardo does yeoman’s work at center back, while he and Gonzales do not have the same connection as Omar does with De La Garza, who form the longest back line pairing in the MLS, he does have enough qualities to have Arena’s confidence to put him on the back line over Tommy Meyers.. The Galaxy recently signed Dave Romney from Los Dos, who can play center back or right back. He played a full 90 against Central FC, and did quite well.

      Most people only see a center back when he make a mistake and allow a chancel or a goal. Most of the time they are anonymous. There have been many games that Leonardo has played in where there has been no mention of him because he just did his job and I. sure he’s ok with that.

      Reply
  7. I didn’t hear loud chants of “P*to!” on every Seattle goal kick, so I guess the throngs of Mexicans that were supposed to buy tickets to see Gio didn’t.

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  8. “Replays were inconclusive, but it appeared Barrett may have strained a leg muscle while celebrating his early strike.”

    Really? It seemed obvious to everyone else that he pulled a hamstring.

    Reply
  9. That Zardes goal had the sweetest and camera replay shot across the Stub Hub. I can imagine the game vs NYCFC. I can’t wait for more free flowing football.

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