Alan Gordon heads in the game winner against Houston.
By Tim Peterson
(Carson) – Alan Gordon headed in the game winner in stoppage time to give the LA Galaxy a 1-0 win over Houston Friday night before 20,195 at Stub Hub Center. Gordon didn’t enter the game until the 69th minute but he had the biggest impact of the match.
“My impressions right now of Gordon are very good. He understands how to play at the end of games,” said Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena.
Robbie Keane set up the goal with a perfect cross pass to Gordon who was waiting in the penalty area. Keane, who has been out with a groin strain since April 14, entered the game in the 56th minute and gave LA the spark it needed.
The Galaxy, coming off of a 4-0 loss to Orlando last week looked like they would come up scoreless again. In the first half Gyasi Zardes was wide left in the 15th minute. Miko Vayrynen had a shot in front that was deflected high over the net in the 44th minute. But other than that the opportunities were few and far between.
Jaime Penedo gave the Galaxy a lift when he stopped Houston’s Will Bruin on a break away early in the contest. The Galaxy dominated the time of possession in the first half 65% to 35 for Houston. They also led in shots on goal 8-5 but were still locked in a scoreless tie.
Robbie Keane returns to the pitch for the Galaxy.
Neither team had many golden chances in the second half. Four minutes of additional time was added at the end of regulation and Gordon took advantage.
After Gordon’s goal Oscar Sorto was given a straight red card for a foul on David Horst. Sorto will have to miss Wednesday’s game with Real Salt Lake.
“It’s nice to get the three points. We need to take advantage of the games at home,” Arena said. “But we also need to finish out games. I mean right after we scored the goal we got a red card.”
The Galaxy ended up with the advantage in shots on goal 13-10 and in total time of possession 58% to 42.
The Galaxy improved to 4-4-5 with the victory while the Dynamo fell to 4-5-4.
LA will face Real Salt Lake Wednesday night at 7:30 at StubHub Center.
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