CARSON, Calif. -- After a rough month of August without registering a win, and after a rough week of losing starters Gyasi Zardes, Steven Gerrard, Jelle van Damme, and Nigel de Jong, LA Galaxy stormed back with a 2-1 win over Columbus Crew SC on Saturday night at StubHub Center.
In the first half, both squads pressured each other, but were unable to connect on a goal. The Galaxy were looking to end a six-game winless streak, and it looked like a third-straight draw was in store. The second half saw a much more lively Galaxy attack.
“I think it was gonna take a special play by someone to win the game,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena told reporters after the match.
That special play came in the 78th minute, as substitute Baggio Husidic belted a magnificent ball from the left flank to the far post from 25 yards away. Giovani dos Santos scored on a chip over Steve Clark a few minutes later to seal the victory.
“It was a fantastic goal, obviously,” Arena continued. “Gio’s was a good goal, an opportunistic goal, and overall I think we played very well."
Husidic told reporters that his initial intent on his goal was to cross the ball. But he found himself with a bit of space as the Columbus defender was late to close him down, and went for it.
“It just kinda laid out perfectly, and I took a chance,” said Husidic. “We’ve been talking about all week to be a bit selfish and shoot the ball, and I did. When I saw it go in, I was just like ‘sick!’”
In addition to securing their first three-point outing since July 23rd, Saturday’s win was the 200th of Bruce Arena’s MLS career. The Galaxy boss is one of two coaches to reach the 200-win plateau in MLS history.
“When you win a fair amount of games, when you’re coaching, it’s because you have good teams and good players,” Arena said of his accomplishment.
“I know one day it will be important, probably to my grandchildren to read about,” he admitted.
“I’m honored to have coached some great players in this league, and that’s the reason I’ve been able to pile up a few wins along the way.”
