Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez lived up to his star billing in the first El Trafico of the 2021 MLS season, providing one goal and one assist in the LA Galaxy’s 2-1 win over rivals LAFC on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park.
LA stormed out to a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute through Chicharito, who tucked home a right-footed curler past Pablo Sisniega. He latched onto a wayward ball after Derrick Williams landed a stiff challenge on Jose Cifuentes, creating a counter-attack when LAFC thought they were breaking forward.
Then in the 79th minute, Chicharito set up the eventual game-winner from midfielder Jonathan dos Santos. Chicharito collected a low cross from second-half substitute Cameron Dunbar and sent a blind pass across goal that dos Santos punched home after a late-arriving run.
In between, LAFC’s persistent pressure paid off in the 62nd minute. Diego Rossi dispatched some tic-tac-toe combination play past goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, with Latif Blessing and Corey Baird combining atop the 18-yard box before Rossi’s slashing run produced an equalizer at 1-1.
LAFC also had a great look in the 32nd minute, though Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond answered the call to deny back-to-back attempts from Rossi and Blessing after a turnover on the right flank.
Goals
11' – LA – Chicharito
62' – LAFC – Diego Rossi
79' – LA – Jonathan dos Santos
