LA Galaxy vs Seattle Sounders: Key Moments
The Seattle Sounders came to Los Angeles needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive and they came away with a 4-2 victory over the LA Galaxy.
The Seattle Sounders picked up a much needed three points on the road as they defeated the LA Galaxy, 4-1. This star studded match-up featured the likes of Jordan Morris, Nicolas Lodeiro, Robbie Keane, Landon Donovan, and Steven Gerrard. The second half brace from Jordan Morris was the key to Seattle victory in this one.
This was an important match for both teams as the Galaxy are still in the race for the Supporters’ Shield this season. They were looking to pick up ground on FC Dallas. On the other hand, the Sounders are just hoping to get above the red line and make the playoffs in the Western Conference.
The loss for LA keeps them in third place in the West with 48 points and a 11W-5L-15D record. It was their first loss at home this season. Seattle are now in the thick of things with their postseason push. They now have 38 total points (11W-13L-5D) and are only three points behind the Portland Timbers for the final playoff spot.
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Keane’s Header Gives LA the Lead
Robbie Keane got the Galaxy off to a strong start when he scored the opening goal. The Ireland international scored with a header in the 20′ minute off of a great cross from Sebastian Lletget. This was Keane’s ninth goal of the season but only his second since July 23rd. It was also his 11th career goal against Seattle.
Seattle Finds an Equalizer Before the Half
The Sounders were able to level things in the 35′ minute when Jelle Van Damme scored an own goal for Los Angeles. A great cross was whipped in by Andreas Ivanschitz and the ball bounced off of Van Damme’s head and into the back of the net. The mistake from the Galaxy gave Seattle momentum heading into the half as they dominated possessions in the later stages of the first 45′.
Turning Point in the Match:
This equalizer was only possible because of a great save from Stefan Frei a few moments earlier. A great through ball from Robbie Keane allowed Giovani dos Santos to break free with a one on one chance against the Seattle keeper in the 33′ minute. Frei made a great save and kept LA’s lead to only 1-0 and allowed his team to find an equalizer just a few minutes later. This was the deciding factory and the turning point in the game.
Jordan Morris Keeps Seattle’s Playoff Hopes Alive
The Sounders needed a win and rookie, Jordan Morris, made sure they got one. He showcased his pace and finishing ability in the 63′ minute when he blew past Daniel Steres and finished a one on one opportunity against Brian Rowe. That goal gave him 11 on the season which set a record for the most by an American born rookie in MLS.
Morris followed that goal up with another one in the 73′ minute. He picked up the rebound off of a save from the Galaxy keeper and placed it into the back of the net with his left foot. The second half brace gave Seattle a 3-1 lead and all but secured the three points for the Sounders. It also gave Jordan 12 goals which is the second best ever by a rookie in MLS history.
Osvaldo Alonso topped things off for Seattle and put the game away with an incredible goal from distance in the 78′ minute to put his team up 4-1. His screamer of a shot was only his second goal of the season but it was a great strike.
Robbie Keane pulled one back in the 85′ minute with his penalty kick from the spot.
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The LA Galaxy will return to action on Saturday, October 1st when they travel to Frisco to take on FC Dallas. That should be a critical match in the Supporters’ Shield race. Seattle will head home to face off against the Chicago Fire on Wednesday, September 28th.