LA Galaxy 5, Real Salt Lake 2 | 2016 MLS Match Recap

Alicia Rodriguez

There are no undefeated teams left in MLS this season, as the LA Galaxy snapped Real Salt Lake's unbeaten run in 2016 by a 5-2 margin at StubHub Center on Saturday evening.

It appeared the scoring would start in the 6th minute, as Steven Gerrard stepped up to take a penalty after Tony Beltran wrapped his arm around Giovani Dos Santos in the box, but goalkeeper Nick Rimando saved the attempt to keep the game scoreless.

The visitors drew first blood, as Juan Manuel "Burrito" Martinez beat Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe with a snap header off Luke Mulholland's cross in the 16th minute.

But LA came roaring back, as Gyasi Zardes took on three defenders and equalized off a shot from the edge of the box three minutes later. Mike Magee then grabbed the go-ahead goal in the 26th minute, finishing off Emmanuel Boateng's low cross from close range, before Boateng himself opened his LA account in the 41st minute, making a late run into the box and latching onto a touch from Zardes to bury the chance.

Dos Santos continued the scoring form he showed last week against Houston, as he took an improvised pass from Boateng in the final minute of the half, pivoted and hit a spectacular chip shot to the far post for a memorable golazo.

Second-half substitute Javier Morales scored the only goal after the break, as LA defender Daniel Steres pulled down Yura Movsisyan in the penalty area, and Morales converted from the spot for RSL.

Gerrard did get some consolation for his failed penalty attempt earlier in the match, scoring his first goal of the season in second-half stoppage time.

Box Score

16’ – RSL – Juan Manuel Martinez (Luke Mulholland)
19' – LA – Gyasi Zardes (Baggio Husidic)
26' -- LA -- Mike Magee (Emmanuel Boateng)
41' -- LA -- Emmanuel Boateng (Gyasi Zardes, Giovani dos Santos)
45' -- LA -- Giovani Dos Santos (Emmanuel Boateng, Mike Magee)
71' -- RSL -- Javier Morales (PK)
91' -- LA -- Steven Gerrard
Full box score
Stats
Highlights

Three Things

BOATENG ARRIVES: Among the newcomers to LA during the offseason, the addition of the 22-year-old Boateng flew under the radar. But the Ghanaian, who had yet to register a goal or assist in four previous appearances and who some were suggesting should move down the Galaxy depth chart, quieted his critics in his second MLS start with a goal and two assists on the night.
WALL OF THE WASATCH STAYS FIRM: Rimando may have endured a tough night after his PK save in his 400th MLS appearance, but the stop burnished his legend when it comes to PKs. He’s saved exactly half of the 10 penalties he’s faced against LA all-time, and players taking PKs against him have a 27-for-45 record during his tenure with RSL, which is considerably worse than against the average goalkeeper. Put simply, Rimando’s ability to stop penalties is truly special.
ANOTHER WEEK, ANOTHER GOLAZO FOR GIO: Following his breakout performance last week against Houston, Dos Santos had another productive game, with a goal and an assist against RSL. And if his golazo last week showcased his coordination and composure, his goal in this game highlighted his balance and accuracy under pressure, and had echoes of his famous goal in the 2011 Gold Cup final. Either way, the technique in both goals was absolutely flawless.