They have not shown it with much consistency so far this season, but the LA Galaxy looked like one of the best teams in MLS on Friday.
Bruce Arena’s side was missing starting defensive midfielder Nigel de Jong due to suspension, but other members of the team stepped up in major way to dominate the Houston Dynamo, 4-1, at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Mexican international Giovani Dos Santos led the Galaxy charge, scoring his first two goals of the 2016 season and providing one assist. Baggio Husidic and Gyasi Zardes also netted to complete the rout of the Dynamo.
Dynamo defender David Horst scored his second goal of the season just inside the first minute of the match; he finished off a cross sent into the box from Alex. The Dynamo looked set to cruise to another multi-goal game, but the Galaxy had other plans.
Dos Santos, who has missed a few games this season due to injury, netted his first goal three minutes after Horst’s header. The 26-year-old attacker saw the ball bounce to his feet after a defensive error by the Dynamo, and he blasted a shot by goalkeeper Joe Willis to level the score.
Husidic scored the eventual game-winner after Willis failed to properly punch a cross away from danger in the 21st minute. Ten minutes later, Steven Gerrard sent a pass across the field for Dos Santos, who took one touch before blasting the ball by Willis once again.
Minutes after the break, Sebastian Lletget played a inch-perfect cross into the path of Zardes, who scored the fourth and final goal for the Galaxy.
The Dynamo will now travel to play the Columbus Crew on April 23, while the Galaxy head back home to face off against Real Salt Lake that same day.
Here are the highlights of the Galaxy’s win:
Man of the Match
Pressure to perform has been weighing heavy on the shoulders of Giovani Dos Santos, and he delivered his best game of the year on Friday. While Steven Gerrard deserves a mention for arguably his best match of the year as well, Dos Santos’ brace ensured a Galaxy victory on the road.
Moment of the Match
In the 31st minute, Steven Gerrard and Giovani Dos Santos combined for the best play of the evening. The English midfielder played a perfect ball across the field for the Mexican attacker, who took a touch to set himself up for a shot on goal. Dos Santos placed his effort as perfectly as Gerrard’s pass to him to score the third goal of the game.
Match to Forget
The Dynamo defense is now tied for conceding a league-worst 13 goals this season. While the back line as a whole deserves blame for allowing the Galaxy to walk all over them at home, it was not a good day for Joe Willis. The netminder’s poor punch directly led the the game-winning goal for the Galaxy.
Dynamo were horrible, but God Geiger is an absolutely horrible ref. The takedown from behind that led to LA’s 2nd goal was a couple yards away from him and he still missed it. Hopefully this is the game that will get Bruin benched…that dude sucks.
Lletget boo boo. All bout dat Dylan Power bruh.
Why is lleget not even being mentioned in the USMNT pool??? He’s the best winger/CAM we have.
Glad to see Dos Santos regain some type of form. I want to see MLS sign more regional players like this (especially over retired relics looking for a last paycheck) and him succeeding will help with that initiative going forward.
Two Side notes:
*Baggio Husidic is absolutely miserable to watch. From his days with the Chicago Fire until now, I have no idea how he collects a paycheck, but every time I watch him it reminds me why MLS is light years behind other leagues. Yes, I’m aware he scored a goal but the lack of coordination even on that goal is cringe-worthy to watch. Far too many below average players like that collecting checks in MLS. Hooooray expansion!
*Commentary: Why was there two audio commentaries on the Youtube highlight?
After the first goal by the Dynamo (horrible defending), it looked like a long night for the Galaxy. Where has this Galaxy team been hiding? After doing mostly nothing last season and the beginning of this one, Dos Santos and Gerrard finally produce. Now if only Magee could regain his form.
better without hackman
Lleget needs to be on the copa squad. His touch and creativity are top notch in the pool right now.
I think there is zero chance Lletget makes the Copa roster. If Klinsmann hasn’t called him in yet, then no way he calls him up out of nowhere for the Copa.
Agreed, left mid is tough to break into, currently have FJ, zardes? (depends if hes a forward right now), zusi, and pulisic (depending on which wing he ends up playing on), ahead of him, would have like to see him in the january camp group
Klinsmann’s call-up’s have received criticism and praise for their erratic, random or unconventional methods. I think anyone and everyone is on the table. I don’t see how anyone can say otherwise.
Unless Lletget is planning on a Cambodian vacation any time soon, I think zero percent chance is a strong statement given the track record of the manager.
better yet, if he gets called up to play for the national team AFTER a Cambodian vacation, and once recalled studs out for the USMNT by oh, let’s say, being the best player in the Gold Cup and also scoring a goal and assisting on another vs. Mexico in a World Cup qualifier, then he’s in REAL trouble of not playing for the nats