Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a goal and an assist in his return from a two-game suspension to spark the LA Galaxy to a 2-0 win over Sporting Kansas City Wednesday night at Children’s Mercy Park.
Ibrahimovic set up Favio Alvarez’s first MLS goal before scoring his 10th of the season. In the 55th minute, He latched onto a Perry Kitchen ball and headed back across the goal to an open Alvarez, who in turn headed past Tim Melia.
After missing a chance later to tack on an insurance goal when a heavy touch allowed Melia to race off his line and pounce on the ball, Ibrahimovic did tally his 10th of the season, and first since May 4. On a quick counter, he took a Uriel Antuna cross off his chest and then fired in off Melia four minutes from full time.
Sporting had quality chances in each half, both to Felipe Gutierrez, who had his 15th-minute shot blocked by Daniel Steres. The rebound fell to Kelyn Rowe, who scuffed his shot wide.
Gutierrez then got on the end of a corner kick, but his header caromed off the bar and out of play.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Who cares about travel difficulties when you can ride on the back of a lion? The Galaxy had plenty of problems getting into Kansas City, but they’ll be all smiles leaving with their second straight win. For SKC, there were positive signs of improvement, but its still just one win in their last nine heading into a pivotal four-game road trip
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Zlatan put the game away with this strike. It was a clinical finish, but surely Sporting coach Peter Vermes will be fuming about the time and space given.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: A goal and an assist on his return? Yeah, it’s Zlatan
Next Up
- SKC: Saturday, June 1 at Houston Dynamo (8:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
- LA: Sunday, June 2 vs. New England Revolution (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
