Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Double Goal Helps Los Angeles Galaxy Draw 3-3 Against LAFC
Former Sweden and Manchester United striker Ibrahimovic netted a brace in a dramatic opening spell at LAFC's Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles that saw the Galaxy take a 3-1 lead early on.
Los Angeles, August 26: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice as Los Angeles Galaxy held runaway Major League Soccer Western Conference leaders Los Angeles FC to a 3-3 draw in their city derby on Sunday. Former Sweden and Manchester United striker Ibrahimovic netted a brace in a dramatic opening spell at LAFC's Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles that saw the Galaxy take a 3-1 lead early on.
Ibrahimovic opened the scoring for the visitors after only two minutes, when new Galaxy loan signing Cristian Pavon surged forward from near halfway. The former Boca Juniors midfielder burst into space before splitting the LAFC defence with a superb pass for Ibrahimovic, who shot first time into the bottom left hand corner to make it 1-0. Superman at 37! Zlatan Ibrahimovic Scores Stunning Hat-Trick During LA Galaxy vs Los Angeles FC Game in Major League Soccer (MLS); Watch Video.
LAFC however were on level terms in the 12th minute when Diego Rossi's header across the face of goal was met by Latif Blessing who bundled home for 1-1. The Galaxy however were back in front within three minutes when Ibrahimovic again sprang the offside trap before rounding LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller and tapping into an empty net.
It got better moments later when Argentine midfielder Pavon again punished slack LAFC defending, cutting in from the left all too easily and rifling a low shot past Miller at the near post for 3-1.
Blessing added a second in stoppage time at the end of the first half when a shot from Carlos Vela deflected into his path inside the penalty area, gifting the Ghanaian forward a simple finish. The second half was only eight minutes old before Mexico striker Vela equalised for LAFC, collecting a deft pass from Mark Anthony Kaye to finish past David Bingham.
LAFC, who had already assured themselves of a place in the playoffs, are now 19 points clear at the top of the Western Conference standings, with 62 points from 26 games. The Galaxy are fifth in the standings with 42 points from 26 games.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2019 10:41 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).