LA Galaxy achieved a crucial win against DC United, finishing the match with a score of 2-1 in the week 20 clash of the MLS. The home team displayed strong control throughout the game, establishing a comfortable lead of 2-0 with goals from Marco Reus in the 22nd minute of the first half, followed by Diego Fagúndez in the 52nd minute of the second half. Though DC United managed to create some chances, they were only able to score once with Gabriel Pirani netting a goal in the 76th minute from a well-executed play.
Diego Fagúndez received accolades for his stunning finish in the early moments of the second half, initiating a play from the left flank and striking the ball into the right corner of the net past goalkeeper Luis Barraza.
DC United nearly pulled one back in the 61st minute when Brandon Servania’s effort hit the post, leaving them frustrated in their pursuit of an equalizer.
Marco Reus had a standout performance, contributing with a goal and attempting two shots on target, while Joseph Paintsil also shone, taking four shots throughout the match.
Head coach Greg Vanney set LA Galaxy up in a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Novak Micovic in goal; a defensive line of Miki Yamane, Maya Yoshida, Emiro Garcés, and Julián Aude; midfielders Edwin Cerrillo, Marco Reus, and Diego Fagúndez; with Gabriel Pec, Matheus Nascimento, and Joseph Paintsil leading the attack.
On the other hand, DC United, managed by Kevin Flanagan, opted for a 3-4-3 formation, with Luis Barraza as goalkeeper; Lucas Bartlett, Kye Rowles, and Aaron Herrera in defense; a midfield consisting of Hosei Kijima, Jackson Hopkins, Boris Enow, and David Schnegg; and a frontline made up of Gabriel Pirani, Dominique Badji, and João Peglow.
Referee Timothy Ford oversaw the match, ensuring fair play throughout.
Looking ahead, LA Galaxy will host Austin FC in their next match, while DC United is set to face off against Charlotte FC away from home.
Substitutions for LA Galaxy
77’ 2H – Matheus Nascimento for Lucas Sanabria, Julián Aude for John Nelson, Miki Yamane for Mauricio Cuevas
83’ 2H – Marco Reus for Christian Ramírez
87’ 2H – Diego Fagúndez for Isaiah Parente
Yellow Cards for LA Galaxy:
3’ 2H – Maya Yoshida (Unsporting behavior), 35’ 2H – Gabriel Pec (Argument with an opponent), 49’ 2H – Joseph Paintsil (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for DC United
56’ 2H – Dominique Badji for Christian Benteke, Jackson Hopkins for Brandon Servania
57’ 2H – Hosei Kijima for Randall Leal
80’ 2H – Boris Enow for Matti Peltola
Yellow Cards for DC United:
11’ 1H – Jackson Hopkins (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement), 13’ 1H – Lucas Bartlett (Unsporting behavior), 18’ 2H – David Schnegg (Unsporting behavior), 42’ 2H – Aaron Herrera (Unsporting behavior), 46’ 2H – Brandon Servania (Holding an opponent to prevent advancement)