A full week of MLS action was culminated by Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s hat-trick performance for the LA Galaxy against Orlando City. Here are three things we learned from the Galaxy’s astonishing 4-3 win.
Difference makers show up when their team needs them and that is exactly what Zlatan Ibrahimovic did on Sunday night in Los Angeles. The star signing recorded a thrilling hat-trick to inspire the LA Galaxy to a 4-3 victory over visiting Orlando City.
The Swedish striker helped spur on a comeback after LA had gone down 3-2 in the 54th minute. Two goals in the span of four minutes solidified his role at the club as a playmaker and gave the Galaxy a massive three points.
For Orlando, a third consecutive league defeat has cast another shadow on what has been a frustrating year. This was their second defeat in the span of four days.
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Here are three things we learned from this exciting match.
3. Gio’s goal a step in the right direction
Ibrahimovic’s hat-trick overshadowed Giovani dos Santos’ first-half goal, his first MLS goal since early May.
The Designated Player has not had a very productive year offensively, thus far, and has largely disappointed to support Ibrahimovic in the final third and a resurgent Alessandrini. The goal, however, could bring back some of his confidence, both in regards to his goal-scoring and his overall attacking play, neither of which has been at the level hoped for or expected this season.
If he can start to click again, then the Galaxy can only benefit from having another playmaker in the starting XI. They are already a burgeoning postseason threat in excellent form. Adding dos Santos to the mix only raises the fervour.