CARSON, Calif – When asked about scoring his first goal of the MLS Regular Season, LA Galaxy midfielder Juninho had just one word—“finally.”
After all, the Galaxy has become used to Juninho hitting long range bombs or curling free kick goals, but this season, one had yet to come. The drought has been a frustrating one for the Brazilian, but during LA’s spirited 1-1 draw with Seattle Sounders FC, he “finally” found the back of the net.
“It was a good shot because I saw the goalkeeper leave the side open,” said Juninho of his free kick goal in first half stoppage time. “I just did well and scored the goal, which is very important to me.”
As for his goal scoring celebration, which involved him putting the soccer ball inside his shirt, Juninho admits that he had to—after all, there will soon be a new addition to his family.
“My wife is four months pregnant and the baby will be born in February. My wife has been telling me to score a goal and make a celebration like that,” Juninho said. “It’s a boy and he’ll be named John Victor. I’m very happy and my wife is too. It’s great for the baby.”
Family aside, Juninho and the rest of the Galaxy will look to continue to climb the table as they find themselves in a peculiar spot, five points behind Seattle for the top spot in the Western Conference and four points ahead of missing the postseason altogether.
“It’s tough. If you look at the conference, we need to take points,” said the Brazilian. “It doesn't matter if it is home or away. Let’s look forward to the Champions League now and then we'll go into Portland looking for three points.”
