The Los Angeles Galaxy got its second win of the season at home after defeating Minnesota United 3-2 on Saturday night. Minnesota managed to turn a controlled game by the Galaxy into a nail-biter. 

No Zlatan? No Problem

On a night which striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was out due to injury, it was forward Uriel Antuna who stole the show for the Galaxy. Antuna took a major role in two of the three Galaxy goals, but also ran a tireless pressure on the defense. Midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos converted from the penalty spot after Antuna was fouled inside the box. Later in the second half, Antuna delivered a perfect cross into the path of midfielder Sebastian Lletget who volleyed the ball into the net for what ended being the winning goal.

LA manager Guillermo Barros Schelotto praised the Mexican youngster.

“He [Anutna] did an amazing job as a sole striker, putting the pressure up on top all game,” Schelotto said. “Something we were unable to do against Dallas. He is very young, very talented and continues to improve every game, it was his best game yet.”

LA Dominate The First Half

The LA Galaxy began the first half with a high pressure on the opponent’s half. Galaxy were able to recover the ball quickly thanks to Minnesota’s constant mistakes on the ball. Because of this, Minnesota found it hard to cross the midfield with the ball in control. The LA Galaxy went into halftime 2-0 up thanks to goals by Dos Santos and defender Chris Pontius.

Minnesota Puts The Pressure On

After 75 minutes of complete domination by the Galaxy, a Minnesota goal put them back into the game. Midfielder Jan Gregus got himself a fortuitous goal from long range that put things 2-1. Even after Minnesota conceded the third goal in the 81st minute,  The Loons didn’t give up. Minnesota managed to make things interesting after forward Angelo Rodriguez scored in the 87th minute. Unfortunately for the Loons, time ran out and they were unable to turn the game around.

Schelotto Happy With The Performance

Schelotto was pretty pleased with the team’s performance even after losing control of the game.

“It was the best game this team has played so far, the first half  was perfect,” Schelotto said. “But it was a little frustrating conceding two goals in a game we had controlled, but I focus on the positive things and that is that we won.”