CARSON, Calif. – Robbie Keane is back.
The 35-year-old Irishman returned to action in a major way on Sunday with two goals in the Galaxy’s 4-2 victory over the New England Revolution. Two months after undergoing right knee surgery, Keane put in a shift of 60 dangerous minutes in the win.
Although the Galaxy dominated the Revolution at times on Sunday, Keane admitted that neither he nor the Galaxy are at their best just yet.
“I think as you see today, my link up play has been very good and it was like that at the start of the season, but unfortunately, [Giovani dos Santos] got injured and I got injured. But it feels like at the moment that we’re getting people back and then someone is missing through suspension or injury,” Keane told reporters.
“Come July, hopefully we get everybody back together, everybody fit and healthy, and I think you’ll see a stronger, stronger team. But certainly in the next 5-6 weeks, players are all over the place so it’s quite difficult to get a rhythm. But full credit to the players at the moment, we’re staying in there. You get the points on the board and keep us in there, and when you get everybody back, the team is going to look strong.”
The Galaxy certainly looked strong at times on Sunday thanks to the Irishman who was able to combine well with Giovani dos Santos and target man Gyasi Zardes. With Zardes holding up play and linking up with his two attackers, Keane and Dos Santos were given the freedom to roam and find space behind the defense.
The plan worked with aplomb on both of Keane’s goals resulted in Zardes making runs toward the end line only to find the former MLS MVP lurking on the far post for the goals. Despite the Galaxy scoring an impressive 18 goals during their seven-game unbeaten run, the rest of the club’s big three were excited to get Keane back in the fold.
“Robbie is very important for us, for the club. He’s a great player,” Giovani dos Santos said. “I think the chemistry between me and him is getting better every game and for me, it’s always a pleasure to play with him.”
Added Steven Gerrard, “To welcome that goal threat back into the team and the squad is great to see.”
After an impressive showing against the Revolution, don’t expect Keane to miss any time on Wednesday when the Galaxy travel across country to face the Philadelphia Union.
In fact, Keane just might be in line for more minutes at Talon Energy Park.
“I expect to be playing on Wednesday,” Keane said assuredly. “I’m back.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
