CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy bid farewell to one of their club legends on Thursday when Robbie Keane announced his departure from the club where he spent the last five years.
Covering the Irish forward has been a distinct pleasure of mine from the moment that I broke the news of his impending arrival for a former outlet way back in August 2011. From the very moment that he stepped foot at StubHub Center, the imperious Keane wowed crowds as he dominated the opposition en route to becoming the fastest player in Galaxy history to score more than 100 goals in all competitions.
As we look back on Keane’s time with the club, my five favorite moments from his time with the team can be seen below.
KEANE HONORS FALLEN IRISH FAN AFTER SCORING WONDERGOAL
Robbie Keane was always unabashed about his Irish heritage, and after scoring one of the finest goals of his Galaxy career, he paid tribute to a fan that lost their life during Euro 2012.
After returning from Euro 2012 with the Republic of Ireland, Keane returned to the scoresheet immediately with a remarkable individual effort that saw the Irishman dribble through the Vancouver Whitecaps defense for a fantastic goal.
Rather than break into his trademark summersault, Keane raced over to the Galaxy bench to hold up a jersey reading “R.I.P. James Nolan.” The tribute became national news in Ireland that mourned the loss of Nolan, who tragically died during the Irish’s Euro 2012 campaign.
ROBBIE BEGINS HIS TIME IN LOS ANGELES WITH A GOAL IN HIS DEBUT
Keane’s career in Los Angeles started with a bang when the Irishman found the back of the net in his club debut against the San Jose Earthquakes in July 2011.
Signed to be the missing link in the Galaxy’s offense, Keane needed just 21 minutes to open his account when he slid behind the San Jose defense off a looping pass from David Beckham. Alone on the goalkeeper, Keane expertly rounded the ‘keeper for his first of 104 career goals for the Galaxy.
In the postgame press conference, reporters in Los Angeles were astounded by Irishman’s summersault celebration and questioned the striker on the move, which elicited a vintage Keane reply.
“I’ve been doing it for years,” he said. “You must not have televisions here.”
KEANO’S FAVORITE GOAL: THE LEGENDARY CHIP AGAINST CHIVAS USA
It’s tough to pick Robbie Keane’s best goal, believe me, I’ve tried, but no goal stands higher in Keano’s mind than his legendary strike against Chivas USA in 2014.
With the Galaxy up a goal on their now defunct rivals, Keane added insult to injury for the Rojiblancos with one of the greatest goals in league history. After receiving a Marcelo Sarvas pass in midfield, the striker dribbled through a defender before chipping a helpless Dan Kennedy from distance for, perhaps, his most iconic strike in a Galaxy uniform.
When asked earlier this year, Keane admitted that the goal was the best goal that he had ever scored during his time in Los Angeles.
THE KING OF LA BECOMES THE KING OF MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Robbie Keane won a host of team honors during his time with the LA Galaxy, but in 2014, he was crowned league Most Valuable Players after yet another transcendent season for the club.
Keane earned the award after notching 19 goals and 14 assists for the Galaxy, which gave him the highest combined total of goals and assists in team history. The Irish striker was a runaway winner of the vote, defeating Seattle Sounders FC forward Obafemi Martins by more than 25 percent of the vote.
From that season on, I was quick to label Keane as one of the greatest signings in league history, but the Irishman solidified that title with two more productive seasons in Los Angeles.
ROBBIE KEANE HELPS LA GALAXY BECOME THE FIRST FIVE WITH CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER
Keane has scored loads of goals for the LA Galaxy in all types of situations and all types of locales, but none was more important than his goal that gave their 2014 MLS Cup title.
With the Galaxy and the New England Revolution deadlocked at 1-1 deep into extra time, the Irishman broke through in the 111th minute of play. The sequence began when Marcelo Sarvas delivered a deep pass from midfield that fell perfectly for Keane, who allowed the ball to take a few bounces before deftly placing into the back of the net for the game-winner.
For his role in the victory, Keane was awarded the 2014 MLS Cup Most Valuable Player award.
