CHESTER, PA (July 21, 2018) – The LA Galaxy got a big road win on Saturday night, defeating Philadelphia Union 3-1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic recorded a goal and an assist to win the match.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic completes LA Galaxy comeback at Philadelphia Union 3-1
The match began in the pouring rain as both teams took some time to adjust to the surface. Forwards on both sides tested the opposing goalkeepers early with the wet and slippery conditions.
Philly opened the scoring in the 28th minute. With some great ball movement down the flank, Borek Dockal sent a cross into the box that was headed out. He collected the clearance and sent a pass into striker C.J. Sapong. Off-balance, Sapong was able to get a touch to it, sending it on goal. Galaxy keeper David Bingham was wrongfooted and slipped a little bit, letting it get past him.
The Galaxy tied the match three minutes into the second half. Jonathan dos Santos incepted a pass at midfield and got it forward to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He held the ball then sent a pass through the center backs to send Ola Kamara in on goal, who chipped Andre Blake to make it 1-1.
Los Angeles took the lead in the 63rd minute. After some great build-up play by the Galaxy, Romain Alessandrini got around his maker and found Ibrahimovic who curled a ball inside the far post to take the lead.
In the 82nd minute, Michael Ciani scored on a corner with a wide open header to seal the victory.
The match ended 1-3.
Three takeaways:
Stars shine brightly: Other than Giovani dos Santos, the big guns for the LA Galaxy showed up. Kamara and Zlatan Ibrahimovic both scored. Alessandrini had two assists. Jonathan dos Santos was a reliable metronome in possession as well.
Conditions play a role: The rain and wet grass played slowly and sudden changes in direction were difficult for all the players. The Galaxy did a good job collapsing the midfield with their 3-4-1-2 to create a numbers advantage to win the ball. They then go the ball out wide to the wings to create time and offense.
Blake keeps up: Andre Blake made six saves on the night, several of them spectacular. Ibrahimovic and the Galaxy tested him early and often and he stood tall (or rather, dove to his far right). It’s a pity he wasn’t able to get a result.
Check it out – @BigAfrika88 gets us started in the rain 🙌 https://t.co/plwCXSI1fS
— X – Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 21, 2018
40' – Zlatan, meet #SavesByDre.
1-0 | #PHIvLA https://t.co/t7RFtEWXFT
— X – Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) July 21, 2018
💪 @jona2santos ➡️ @Ibra_official ➡️ @OlaKamara pic.twitter.com/svkCs2EzAd
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 22, 2018
It had to be him. @Ibra_official makes no mistake. #PHIvLA pic.twitter.com/W8sM6wKKPa
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 22, 2018
