CARSON, Calif. – Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes got the goals in the LA Galaxy’s 5-0 demolishing of Chivas USA, but midfielder Michael Stephens was one of the true unsung heroes in the victory.
Stationed on the right side of midfield, Stephens was efficient as he completed 59 of 68 passes on the evening while frequently testing Chivas left back Jaime Frias. The 24-year-old assisted in LA’s build up play in the final third throughout the match, but he nearly got on the score sheet in the 57th minute when he launched a pass to Robbie Keane that was deflected off a Chivas defender in the penalty area.
After being afforded the chance to start for the first time since June 28, Stephens admitted that he was desperate to capitalize on the opportunity.
“I had a good game. I just kept it simple because there was not much running to do with how hot it was out there. It made my job easy and I just played small touches which is what Bruce wanted of me and it worked out,” said Stephens. “Any time that you get an opportunity, you want to do well with it and this year, I haven’t always taken the most of my opportunities, but today was a good one. I’m trying to build on it at the end of the year.”
Following the match, associate head coach Dave Sarachan took notice of Stephens’ stellar play.
“Mikey competes. The guy competes. He’s tactically very sharp in terms of knowing where to position himself. You never have to question his desire and his effort that he’s going to put in,” said Sarachan. “I think he made good decisions today. Fair enough, we had some space to play, but I think Mikey, in that role, both sides of the ball, did a very good job.”
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