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The LA Galaxy needed a bit of luck, but a fortunate 72nd minute goal from birthday boy Alan Gordon was enough for LA to take three points in Houston.
#LAGalaxy XI: Rowe; Rogers, DLG, Steres, Cole; Husidic, Lletget; Donovan, Dos Santos, Boateng; Gordon #HOUvLA pic.twitter.com/GOIc0a3nW3
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) October 16, 2016
The Galaxy enjoyed plenty of possession but looked toothless in attack, however LA picked up the play twenty minutes in. First Robbie Rogers’ clever flick found Landon Donovan in space, and after cutting inside a Houston defender his low shot was on target but would ricochet over the crossbar, then Sebastian Lletget’s blast from 25 yards out just evaded the left post.
Oh so close. https://t.co/BNFcLGdUQ0 #HOUvLA pic.twitter.com/LwVbmuj9LQ
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) October 16, 2016
The Galaxy almost scored in first half stoppage time when Landon Donovan located Emmanuel Boateng isolated on the left side of the box, but his rocket from close range and the subsequent rebound were both saved by keeper Joe Wills.
As the match went on, the 90 degree heat took its tool and the match seemed destined to crawl to a slow death, but LA would capitalize on a broken play late. Mike Magee did well to execute a give-and-go with Alan Gordon, and his low shot was cleared by Dynamo defender David Horst right into the patch of Gordon, and the ball bounced off the tall forward and in.
GOLAZO! #HOUvLA pic.twitter.com/8TKJj8WnA6
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) October 16, 2016
Houston tried, but LA securely held on to steal a vital road victory and hang onto 3rd in the Western Conference and a potential home playoff date.