LA Galaxy overcome Real Salt Lake 2-1

Sunday night at Dignity Health Sports Park the LA Galaxy extended the unbeaten streak to seven matches with a close 2-1 victory over a brave Real Salt Lake.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s squad dominated the first half with 63% possession, expertly moving the ball around the pitch while RSL were mostly relegating to chasing shadows. Starting in place of left back Jorgen Skjelvic, Los Dos graduate Diedie Troare was a constant nuisance down the left flank,

Joe Corona missed a half volley just yards from the goal line early, the first of several squandered chances by LA. In the 16th minute it would be Ibra’s dummy paving the way for Chris Pontius to square the ball to Uriel Antuna for a tap-in.

Real Salt Lake came out the second period with purpose, pressuring the Galaxy into turnovers and mental mistakes. Finally the dam broke thanks to the play of the RSL fullbacks: Aaron Herrera’s blast was saved by David Bingham but Donny Toia was there to stick the rebound in the net.

The goal woke LA up, and eventually Uriel Antuna would make way for Emmanuel Boateng. After several close chances, Zlatan would be ready to redirect Lletget’s low cross past keeper Andrew Putna for his eighth goal of the campaign.