CARSON, Calif. – After losing to New England on March 31, LA Galaxy forward Robbie Keane said the team needed to be men and go about their jobs as such.
The Irishman has taken his own words to heart.
Keane has played a key role in the Galaxy’s last two games, both victories, as the club has been a much more difficult side to play against in April.
GOAL: Keane feeds Donovan
“When you’re winning games, it helps to bring confidence into the team so that’s been the case of late,” Keane told reporters on Thursday. “We just have to continue now for Saturday’s game. We’ve got some good momentum for Dallas so we just have to keep going.”
Keane has scored three goals this season but none this month. However, his contributions go far beyond whether he puts a ball in the back of the net or not. He has picked up two assists in the last two games, setting up Landon Donovan in a 3-1 win over Portland on April 14 and again in a 2-1 win over Colorado last Saturday.
That he’s not putting the ball in the back of the net is no concern to Keane, even heading into a game against conference rivals FC Dallas on Saturday (10:30 pm ET; watch LIVE online).
“It’s just about getting to the ball and creating chances for people,” the Galaxy vice captain offered. “Most games I’ve played this season I’ve created chances for players, that sort of thing I’ve done throughout my career, scoring goals obviously I’ve done but I like getting assists as well.”
Keane scored three goals in league play with the Galaxy a year ago but also pitched in with two assists. He helped the Galaxy earn their first three points of the year with two goals against D.C. United on March 18.
With Keane on his game, the rest of the team benefits. And it’s starting to show in the standings as LA have climbed from the bottom of the West into the MLS Cup Playoffs hunt.
“That’s what Robbie does,” Galaxy midfielder David Beckham told reporters on Thursday. “He’s a player that comes looking for the ball. It’s a great position to be honest, for me to have him there. He creates his own space, he creates spaces for the other players. It’s great to have a player like that that knows where to run and to come and get the ball.”
Luis Bueno covers the LA Galaxy for MLSsoccer.com and can be reached by e-mail at buenodad@gmail.com
