The LA Galaxy won their third consecutive game, as they defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-0 at BC Place as part of MLS Friday Night on TSN, keeping the home side winless on the season.
The first half was rather scrappy but the match started in a hectic manner. In the opening minute of the game, Jorgen Skjelvik fouled Lass Bangoura in LA's box, and newcomer Ali Adnan stepped up to the spot for the Whitecaps. But his panenka attempt was far too soft and Galaxy goalkeeper David Bingham easily blocked the chance. Inside the opening 20 minutes, Bingham was tested again, from the run of play, but produced a strong save on Joaquin Ardaiz's shot.
After the halftime break, Zlatan Ibrahimovic seemed to come alive and had a couple good chances in the opening minutes of the second half, including a goal chalked off due to offside.
Ibrahimovic played a role in the opening goal, however, as his cross was headed in by Daniel Steres just after the hour mark. Ibrahimovic then scored himself, in traffic, off a looping cross in the 71st minute.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: The Galaxy are on a three-game winning streak now, and while the first half was a struggle for both sides, the Galaxy's quality -- and Ibrahimovic's in particular -- helped the visitors pull ahead in the second half. Once again, the Whitecaps were solid for stretches of the match, but they still have quite a bit to figure out on both sides of the ball.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Seldom do we see penalties called in the first minute, and seldom do we see panenka attempts fall as flat as Adnan's. Hard to call it a turning point, but in hindsight, it seems like it may have been.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Ibrahimovic really raised his level after halftime, and it produced a goal and set up another one for the Galaxy, as the Swede continues his strong start to the season.
Next Up
- VAN: Friday, April 12 at Chicago Fire (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; TSN1/3/4 in Canada)
- LA: Saturday, April 13 vs. Philadelphia Union (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; DAZN in Canada)
