At Gillette Stadium, LA Galaxy defeated New England Revolution 2-1 on Sunday.
The visiting team from California scored first through Daniel Aguirre, and then Riqui Puig a former player for Barcelona helped Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez double their lead. For the hosts, Carles Gil scored late, although it was only a consolation.
Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New England Revolution 2-1 at Gillette Stadium in the first half of the game, a victory that keeps them in the playoffs.
The first 15 minutes of the game were sufficient for the Los Angeles Galaxy, who with very similar plays ended the game that had become complicated at the end.
Daniel Aguirre and Chicharito Hernández scored in the fourth and fifteenth minutes with a long pass which left the LA Galaxy player alone in front of goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, while Carles Gil provided some intrigue in the 82nd minute.
The first goal was scored by Daniel Aguirre after Chicharito served him from just before midfield. Aguirre’s cross-shot into the area was too far for Petrovic to finish.
The Mexican striker scored the team’s second goal after receiving the ball from the center circle, which effectively left him alone in the Revolution’s area.
Chicharito controlled the ball with his right foot before the penalty spot, and despite the goalkeeper’s exit, he smashed the ball in with a left-footed shot to make it 2-0, which gave the LA Galaxy a guarantee of a victory.
The riskiest plays in the remainder of the first half belonged to the home team, including one that hit the post in the 29th minute and another that Jonathan Bond superbly saved, allowing the visitors to lead at halftime. LA Galaxy relaxed or New England improved to get closer to the scoreboard.
Despite the opportunities, they produced in the second half, Bruce Arena’s team was unable to defeat the LA Galaxy on goal.
After being kicked in the right knee in the 66th minute and sitting on the pitch for a while, Chicharito who had just scored for the fourth straight MLS game—came off the bench, received a yellow card for whining, and was eventually sent off.
Carles Gil made a terrific angle goal eight minutes from time that the LA Galaxy goalkeeper could not stop.
At the very end, New England made a push and came near to tying the score, but it was just a try, and Greg Vanney’s squad kept the three points.
Los Angeles Galaxy has gone three games without losing, with two victories, and has 37 points, good for seventh place in the Western Conference and a playoff spot, while New England is ninth in the East with 34 points and outside the postseason picture.
The Galaxy is currently ranked eighth in the MLS’s Western Conference. They trail division leaders and local rivals Los Angeles by 20 points.
In the Eastern Conference, New England is ranked eighth.
Puig, 23, is a product of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia development system, and even before he made his club debut as a senior, the supporters of the team were raving about him.
Despite playing for several different coaches, he hasn’t been able to secure a spot in the Catalan team’s first team and decided this summer that it was time for a fresh challenge. The Galaxy will be hoping he racks up lots more assists.
