VANCOUVER, BC (April 1, 2017) – The Vancouver Whitecaps got their first win at home on Saturday night. The defeated the LA Galaxy 4-2 thanks to three second half goals, including a brace from Matías Laba.
Vancouver Whitecaps Comeback With Three Goal Half To Down LA Galaxy 4-2
The Galaxy had reinforcements arrive this week. Ashley Cole and Giovani dos Santos returned to the Starting XI for Head Coach Curt Onalfo. Gyazi Zardes was available on the bench. Jack McBean started up top next to Dos Santos. Captain Jelle Van Damme returned from suspension as well.
Caps Head Coach Carl Robinson had to make some lineup shifts with Kekuta Manneh traded midweek to Columbus Crew SC. His team came out in a 4-2-3-1. David Ousted was in goal. Erik Hurtado started up top with Christian Bolaños in the No. 10 role. Alphonso Davies started in midfield at 16-years-old.
First Half:
The first half was a back and forth affair. Vancouver came out on the front foot, using their speed to get behind the Galaxy and create shooting opportunities.
Christian Techera would capitalize on a chance in the 19th minute. The Galaxy had a corner cleared out and the ball fell to Sheanon Williams. The full back delivered a long cross to Techera at the top of the box. Goalkeeper Clement Diop came off his line with the Galaxy caught off guard, but he missed the ball and Techera finished the play off.
The Galaxy were able to pull one back against the run of play in the 26th minute. Jermiane Jones won the ball in midfield and distributed it to Romain Alessandrini. The Frenchman creating a shooting lane and fired a low shot at the near post. Ousted bobbled it and it narrowly crossed the line.
Alessandrini made it a brace just four minutes later. Emmanuel Boateng got into space and delivered a low cross at the top of the box. Alessandrini got a running start and blasted it past Ousted.
The half ended with the Galaxy in front 2-1.
Second Half:
Desperate to not start their season without a win in four games, the Caps came out on fire in the second half. The Galaxy were living on the edge and it cost them in the 65th minute. Substitute Freddy Montero cleaned up a rebound in front of goal off a Techera shot to tie the game. It was the DP’s first goal since coming to Vancouver.
Just two minutes later the Caps created a turnover in the midfield. With numbers in the box, Montero got the ball to an open Laba who sent the ball into the lower corner past Diop to take the lead 3-2.
Laba put the icing on the cake in the 87th minute. He created a turnover in the midfield then finished off a rebound on a shot from Montero.
The match ended 4-2.
Reaction:
This is just what the doctor ordered for Vancouver. They got the attack going and they won an emotionally charged game. Several role players got involved and their centerpiece, Montero, had a goal and an assist off the bench. Not too shabby for a team that just traded a key attacking piece.
For the Galaxy, this is another tough loss riddled with mistakes at the back. The Caps made some spectacular players, but LA had players making errors on all four goals. On the plus side, Alessandrini got going and the rest of the attack (minus Sebastian Lletget) is healthy now.
