An outstanding attacking display saw the LA Galaxy return to their winning ways and beat the Portland Timbers 4-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park on Friday evening.
The hosts opened the scoring in stunning fashion when midfielder Rayan Raveloson netted an immaculate bicycle kick in the 27th minute. The Malagasy international eyed the ball off a deflection from a Galaxy corner kick and went skyward for the spectacular, finding the back of the net.
The goals didn't stop there. A mere 90 seconds after the Galaxy opener, the Timbers equalized through striker Jeremy Ebobisse. The American was fed the ball in the box and after some tidy dribbling, cut back onto his left foot and slotted into the bottom left corner.
However, in typical #MLSAfterDark fashion, the attacking thriller didn't stop with two goals.
The Galaxy pushed forward once again and doubled their lead in the 34th minute. Right back Julian Araujo crossed the ball from the endline and found the head of Victor Vazquez, who nodded home to put his side up 2-1.
Things went from bad to worse for the Timbers early in the second half after goalkeeper Steve Clark took out Galaxy attacker Kevin Cabral in the box, leaving referee Robert Sibiga pointing to the spot. Galaxy midfielder Sacha Kljestan stepped up and cooly converted the penalty kick, scoring the home side's third in the 53rd minute.
The Galaxy weren't done, though, and winger Samuel Grandsir scored his first goal in MLS off an Araujo cross. The Frenchman headed home and the young fullback added his second assist of the match.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: This was a blowout win for the Galaxy, who claimed three points for the first time in their past four matches. It was an important attacking display, showing that they can find goals without leading scorer Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, who's still nursing a calf injury. For the Timbers, it's another disappointing road result. They're now 1-6-1 away from Providence Park, so the question is how and when they fix it.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: This one's easy: Rayan Raveloson's bicycle kick goal. This AT&T MLS Goal of the Year contender opened the scoring for the Galaxy.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Julian Araujo. The young American fullback put on an attacking clinic, supplying two assists and helping LA to three points. Defensively, he was calm and composed, showing he's versatile on both ends of the pitch.
Next Up
- LAG: Wednesday, August 4 vs Real Salt Lake | 10:30 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
- POR: Wednesday, August 4 vs San Jose Earthquakes | 10:30 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
