MLS: The LA Galaxy Create Some Fireworks Against Vancouver on the Fourth of July

Jul 4, 2016; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7)passes the ball in front of Vancouver Whitecaps defender Jordan Smith (6) in the first half of the game at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 4, 2016; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7)passes the ball in front of Vancouver Whitecaps defender Jordan Smith (6) in the first half of the game at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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The LA Galaxy defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-0 in the second match between the two teams this season.

The LA Galaxy were able to defeat the Vancouver Whitecaps, 2-0, behind an early goal from Robbie Keane. Los Angeles was able to take care of business at home as they had some scoring fireworks on this Fourth of July match. This was the second meeting between the two clubs this season. The first one ended in a scoreless draw.

Vancouver fell to 7-8-3 on the season with 24 total points which is good enough for sixth in the Western Conference. LA jumped back into playoff contention with a win as they are now 6-3-8 on the year with 26 total points. They were able to move up to fourth place in the West.

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Two key players for the Galaxy made their MLS returns in this one in Gyasi Zardes and Robbie Keane. They had both missed over a month of action due to international tournaments with their respective countries. LA was happy to see their star forwards back in the first team because their impact on the pitch was immediately noticeable.

Robbie Keane was able to show his world class talent with a brilliant strike in the 12th minute that found the upper 90. That was his fifth goal of this MLS season. The Whitecaps dominated possession and controlled the game in the first half but couldn’t find a score to get the game level.

Jeff “Big Red” Larentowics doubled LA’s lead with a header early in the second half. It was his first goal of the season.  Nigel de Jong committed a reckless challenge in the 74th minute that saw him get straight red. The Galaxy were forced to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match.Brian Rowe recorded his fourth shutout of the season as he was fantastic in this one.

"Welcome back Robbie!Keano with the stunner to put @LAGalaxy in front. #LAvVAN https://t.co/gKJ2IjssRZ— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 5, 2016"

Scoring Summary:

12′ – Robbie Keane (Assist from Steven Gerrard) – LA

47′ – Jeff Larentowicz (Assist from Steven Gerrard) – LA

Disciplinary Summary:

67′ – Matias Laba – Yellow Card – Unsporting Behavior

74′ – Nigel de Jong – Red Card – Serious Foul

Next: LA Banking on Keane and Zardes to Produce

These two teams will meet once more on August 27th at the StubHub Center once again. That will be the third and final meeting this season. The LA Galaxy will next play against the Seattle Sounders away from home on Saturday, July 9th at 12:00 p.m. PST. The Vancouver Whitecaps will head back home for their next match against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, July 9th at 7:00 p.m. PST.