CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano’s Three Points from the LA Galaxy’s 2-1 extra-time victory over the New England Revolution. The Galaxy have now won a record five MLS Cups in the club’s illustrious history.
ZARDES PUTS LA AHEAD…
Gyasi Zardes waited nearly two-and-a-half months between goals, but he broke his scoring drought in remarkable fashion with a goal that will go down in club history.
After a sloppy first half that saw both teams struggle to find the net, LA opted to change their approach at the start of the second stanza, slotting Zardes out wide with Landon Donovan playing up top alongside Robbie Keane. The move paid immediate dividends as Zardes broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute after capitalizing on a Stefan Ishizaki deflected cross and slotting it past Revolution goalkeeper Bobby Shuttlesworth and into the back of the net.
With his goal, Zardes becomes the first MLS Homegrown Player to score a goal and the youngest MLS Cup goal scorer in club history.
NEW ENGLAND BATTLE BACK…
A late defensive foible and some wasteful finishing cost the home side the lead.
Fueled by going down a goal earlier in the second half as well as the Galaxy’s inability to find a second goal, the Revolution struck back in the 76th minute off a late error by the Galaxy. The goal came in the off a failed Galaxy clearance as – dribbled past Omar Gonzalez and caught Leonardo flat –footed for a free look at goal.
Immediately after the goal, the Revolution controlled the run of play, but were unable to find a winner as the match went into extra-time.
…BUT IN THE END KEANE IS KING
Robbie Keane’s appearance in the MLS Cup was nearly a story of missed opportunities, however, when the Galaxy needed him late in-extra time, the captain delivered.
After missing the mark on several opportunities, Keane finally broke the deadlock in the 111th minute as a clever dish from Marcelo Sarvas found the Irishman lurking on the back shoulder of the New England defense. From there, it was all Keane as he confidently slotted the ball past Shuttlesworth for the championship-winning goal.
For a player that has carried the Galaxy all season, it was only fitting that the Irishman played the savior in the end.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
