CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano gives his Three Points to the Galaxy’s convincing 4-0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC, with the Galaxy scoring four times in the first half.
ROBBIE KEANE PUTS THE SOUNDERS DOWN
WATCH: Keane's hat trick
The night was supposed to be about Robbie Rogers, but in the end, it was another Robbie: Robbie Keane, who ended up stealing the show.
Keane recorded the first hat trick of his MLS career in a match that will serve as his final game for the team until at least LA’s match with the Portland Timbers on June 19. The Irishman ravaged the Seattle defense throughout his 73 minute shift as he was a constant danger toward goal. For all his bluster, two of his goals ended up coming on penalty kicks as he increased his scoring total to five goals and four assists in regular season play.
The Irish forward’s nearly added a fourth early in the second half but was unable to get off a shot after being played through into the box. After failing to record a hat trick in the 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 seasons, the Galaxy have two this season with Keane following Mike Magee, who had three goals in the 4-0 win over Chicago in the season opener on March 3.
ROBBIE ROGERS GOES 13 MINUTES IN HISTORIC DEBUT
WATCH: Rogers makes Galaxy debut
Robbie Rogers made major American team sports history on Sunday as he became the first openly gay professional male athlete to participate in a game.
After coming on in the 77th minute for Brazilian midfielder Juninho, Rogers received a rousing ovation from The Home Depot Center crowd, who were quick to show their support and welcome Rogers to the Galaxy. Rogers made little impact on the game and he is likely a few weeks from full fitness, but the gravity of the occasion is momentous as he hopefully ushers in a new era of acceptance in sports.
His debut in the books, Rogers will now turn his focus to LA’s U.S. Open Cup Third Round match against the Carolina RailHawks on Wednesday night.
THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT AS STEPHENS AND ZARDES SHINE
Due to the trade of Mike Magee, the LA Galaxy shuffled their lineup allowing for both Gyasi Zardes and Michael Stephens to get the start and contribute mightily in their victory.
Throughout the match, Zardes’ pace seemed to complement Keane’s craftiness up top as he sparked several scoring opportunities. His finest contribution came in the 32nd minute when he drew a penalty kick after Djimi Traore brought down the Homegrown forward to set up a Robbie Keane penalty kick that gave the Galaxy a 3-0 lead.
Meanwhile, Stephens was a bundle of energy against Seattle as he showed a willingness to get involved in the attack while repeatedly tracking back on defense. Stephens nearly made LA’s lead five after hitting the post in the 81st minute of play. Despite going the distance against Seattle, Stephens is likely to be contention to take part in LA’s Open Cup match in Cary, N.C. on Wednesday.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
