CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his Three Things We Learned from the Galaxy’s 2-0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
ROBBIE KEANE MAKES TRIUMPHANT RETURN
Robbie Keane signaled his return to Major League Soccer with a stellar showing in the Galaxy’s Independence Day victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Keane opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a world-class finish as he launched a right-footed blast that curled past a helpless David Ousted after a fine pass from Steven Gerrard. With the Galaxy’s offense struggling in recent months, Keane’s return will provide a welcome boost to head coach Bruce Arena.
For a Galaxy team that has lacked offensive fluidity occasionally this season, Keane is returning at the perfect time.
JEFF LARENOTWICZ BAGS A GOAL
Jeff Larentowicz isn’t the flashiest player in MLS, but veteran presence has been a stabilizing force in the midfield for the LA Galaxy in recent weeks.
Larentowicz perfectly shielded the Galaxy backline in the first half and then started to join in the attack and take the game over in the second. To add an exclamation point to his dominant performance, Larentowicz found the back of the net in the 47th minute to put the game out of reach from Vancouver.
“Big Red’s” presence was even more valuable in the closing minutes as the Galaxy were forced to play the final 17 minutes down a man after Nigel de Jong was shown a straight red card. With De Jong suspended for the Seattle match, expect to see more of the veteran midfielder in the center of the park for the Galaxy on Saturday.
DANIEL STERES SHOWS WHY HE DESERVES TO BE A REGULAR STARTER
Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes weren’t the only Galaxy players to come back to the starting XI on Saturday, as Daniel Steres was imposing in his return in central defense.
Starting alongside Leonardo, who got the nod in place of the suspended Jelle Van Damme, Steres was as the Galaxy kept a talented Whitecaps offense off the board. Steres was dominant the air as he repeatedly helped win dangerous crosses in the penalty area to snuff out Vancouver attacks.
After lots of chopping and changing in the Galaxy backline this season, it’s safe to say that Steres has earned his place in the Galaxy starting XI for the second half of the season.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
