A late Kai Koreniuk goal broke open a scoreless grind of a match. That allowed the LA Galaxy to break a seven-match winless streak, winning 1-0 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday night.
It was certainly a better first half for the Galaxy than their prior outing on Wednesday. Though neither team scored in the opening 45, the Galaxy looked the more threatening side by halftime. Yet, the home side couldn't put away some opportunities for the opening goal. In the sixth minute, Cristian Pavon was sprung free for a one-on-one with Evan Bush, but Bush bested him in the showdown. Then, Yony Gonzalez was lively in the latter part of the half, including an audacious bicycle kick attempt that went wide.
But Gonzalez acquired some knocks during the first half, and with some obvious limping to start the second half, the Galaxy made the obvious sub, putting Chicharito on to lead the line. Though the second half provided some entertaining battles, particularly between Ali Adnan and Julian Araujo, the teams had a challenging time generating offense.
Chicharito had several late attempts, including a 78th-minute show that sailed over the bar, an 82nd-minute shot that was blocked before it could get goalward, and an 84th-minute attempt where he mishit Pavon's potential assist. But then, in stoppage time, Pavon was able to find Koreniuk for the match winner.
Jonathan Klinsmann was able to hang on to earn his first MLS clean sheet, despite one last-gasp effort from the 'Caps that needed to be cleared off the line by a Galaxy defender.
'
Goals
- 90' + 1' – LA – Kai Koreniuk
Next Up
- LA: Sunday, October 25 at LAFC (3:30 pm ET | ABC, TSN 2 in Canada)
- VAN: Saturday, October 24 vs. San Jose Earthquakes (10:30 pm ET | MLS Live on ESPN+, TSN 1/4 in Canada)
