CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy’s trips to Providence Park have been full of late drama and beautiful goals.
In total, the Galaxy have scored nine goals in Portland in six MLS matches, while earning a 1-3-2 record.
Ahead of the Galaxy’s final 2016 regular season trip to the Rose City on Saturday and in conjunction with Alaska Airlines’ Battle of Cascadia campaign, I’ve picked my favorite Galaxy goals scored in the Rose City.
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My top five Galaxy goals in Portland are below:
5) GYASI ZARDES’ KARATE FINISH (3/15/15)
Gyasi Zardes has developed into one of the best finishers in MLS and he showcased that talent when he scored against the Timbers in 2015.
With the Timbers leading, Jose Villarreal played in a cross to Zardes at the back post and the striker lept up to catch the ball with the inside of his outstretched right foot to pull the Galaxy level. The match ended in a 2-2 draw (more on that later).
Zardes figures to be in the starting lineup on Saturday when he looks to grab another goal against the Timbers.
4) ALAN GORDON’S LATE EQUALIZER (3/15/15)
Alan Gordon has made a career of scoring vital late goals, and the target man added another against the Timbers in 2015.
With the Galaxy trailing after a late goal by the Timbers, Gordon saved the day with a header in the dying minutes of the game. After the goal, Gordon rushed to his teammates setting off a mad celebration.
Gordon has three goals and one assist in eight appearances against the Timbers all-time.
3) ROBBIE KEANE’S HEADER (5/11/14)
Robbie Keane has scored plenty of jaw-dropping goals during his time in MLS, but the forward showed off his opportunistic side with his goal against the Timbers in 2014.
With the game scoreless in the 93rd minute, Keane jumped above the Timbers defense and nodded a Dan Gargan cross into the back of the net to put the Galaxy ahead. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, the goal couldn’t give the Galaxy the win as the Timbers bagged a goal in the dying moments to earn a 1-1 draw.
Keane has terrorized the Timbers with eight goals and five assists in 11 career appearances.
2) DAVID BECKHAM BENDS IT PAST THE TIMBERS (7/14/2012)
BREAKING NEWS: David Beckham was pretty darn good at free kicks.
Becks bent home one of his trademark free kicks in the Galaxy’s victory in Portland back in July 2012. The goal, which came in the 24th minute, was vintage Beckham as the Englishman effortlessly placed a free kick from the top of the box around the Portland defense and into the bottom left corner of the net.
The match ended in a 5-3 victory for the Galaxy, and still stands as one of the most exciting games of the series.
1) BECKS’ LONG-RANGE BLAST (7/14/2012)
David Beckham’s free kick was great, but it paled in comparison to his brilliant finish earlier in the match.
In the 19th minute of play, combination play between Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane left the legendary Englishman alone 35 yards from goal. Keane found Beckham with a quick pass, and the Englishman did the rest as he unleashed a rocket off his right foot that curled past the helpless Portland goalkeeper.
After the goal, Beckham couldn't help but admire his strike as he stood arms spread marveling at his finish.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
