LA Galaxy defeat Toronto FC on 4th of July

The Galaxy hung on before pouring it on late: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a brace as LA defeated Toronto FC 2-0 at Dignity Health Sports Park on the 4th of July.

It seems when the LA Galaxy are shorthanded on the road the Galaxy know how to set up, but at home Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s squad have struggled mightily to assert themselves at home and tonight was more of the same. A Toronto FC side missing most of their stars dominated possession and were the more dangerous team in a forgettable first half for LA. Diego Polenta sprung Emmanuel Boateng through in the 22nd minute who found the excellent Julian Araujo racing in the box, but his post agonizingly slammed off the post before Joe Corona’s attempt was saved off the line.

The second half was more of the same, though LA were adapt at preventing Toronto from creating real clear cut chances. In the 75th minute, a brilliant cross from Efrain Alvarez found Zlatan’s head at the far post and Ibra stuck a finish over Quentin Westberg to put LA ahead against the run of play. With his own named mispelled on his jersey, “Irba” would complete his brace late after losing his marker and sprinting onto Emil Cuello’s square ball before placing a low finish around Westberg.

Not the prettiest three points, but they’re in the bag. LA next play their second in a three game homestand in a rematch vs. the Quakes.