LA Galaxy top Orlando City 4-3 in epic comeback

The Galaxy came back twice before finally putting Orlando City away: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his first MLS hat trick as LA defeated the Lions 4-3 in an exhilarating contest Sunday night at the StubHub Center.

LA were predictably lethargic after expending so much energy battling LAFC on Thursday, with Ola Kamara in particular wasting several clear-cut chances.

The defense however, was worse. Giovani dos Santos’ 39th minute goal was sandwiched by two moments of indecision from the back line. Sacha Kjlestan carved LA’s defense apart and found Cristian Higuita for a close-range finish early then a Michael Ciani own goal canceled Gio’s solo effort.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic did well to re-direct Gio’s touchline cross with ease minutes into the second half before once again LA were breached. Dom Dwyer made mince meat of the back line, spitting the center backs and beating Bingham with a snap header.

Ibrahimovic would not be denied however, scoring twice five minutes apart to wrestle all three points away from the Lions. First Ibra raced into the box to nod a header past Earl Edwards Jr. before bagging a poacher’s goal, waiting at the back post to smash a loose rebound home.

LA have now won four of their past five games.