Note: All match recaps are provided by MLSsoccer.com.
Bruce Arena did not want to be a distraction for his New England Revolution side when they visited the LA Galaxy on Sunday evening. He wasn't, as the Revs claimed a win in Arena's first match on the sidelines with his new team, defeating his former club 2-1 at Dignity Health Sports Complex.
Cristian Penilla and Teal Bunbury notched goals on either side of the break before Zlatan Ibrahimovic cut the lead in half late in the match on a fantastic bicycle kick, but the Revs would hold on for the full three points.
An even first half appeared headed to the break scoreless, until Penilla made a run at goal from the left side and hit a hard shot that Galaxy goalkeeper David Bingham couldn't handle to open the scoring.
The Revs doubled the lead 15 minutes into the second when Teal Bunbury took a through ball from Carles Gil onto goal and placed a shot past Bingham.
Zlatan got the Galaxy back into it with an acrobatic over-the-head shot for a goal, and Diego Polenta nearly tied it in the dying seconds of stoppage time but his shot clanked off the crossbar.
Goals
- 45’ — NE — Cristian Penilla | WATCH
- 60’ — NE — Teal Bunbury | WATCH
- 84’ — LA — Zlatan Ibrahimovic | WATCH
Next Up
- LA: Wednesday, June 12 vs. Orange County FC, U.S. Open Cup 4th Round (10:30 pm ET | ESPN+ in US)
