LA Galaxy pulled a thrilling 4-3 come back against Minnesota United on Wednesday, September 20th at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Billy Sharp opened the scoring for the host team, however that didn't last long as the visitors responded three minutes later with a goal from Teemu Pukki.
Minnesota United meant business, and before the end of first half Bongokuhle Hlongwane added two more goals plus a mocking dance to the LA Galaxy fans.
It was clear that LA Galaxy was experiencing a rough first half, conceding three goals to one despite Billy Sharp opening the score sheet for the host.
“For me, I was part time lunatic on the side." Coach Greg talking to the press about the emotions of the game, " I was trying to drive the guys emotionally out there as well. " He continued, "Again, I saw the body language at the end of the first half, and it didn’t look promising for us. We were frustrated, clearly, for the goals that we had given up. Immediately, at half time, the discussion was about mindset."
LA Galaxy came back in the second half with a fighting mentality attacking vigorously. Their fight paid off with two more goals from Billy Sharp who earned himself a first hat trick at the LA Galaxy and 27th one in the team history.
"I promised my two kids I'd get one of these in my time here so I managed to do that. I wanted to come here to score goals. Yeah I'm 37 but I still got a lot of life left in me and a lot of goals so to get the goals tonight was brilliant personally but goals to help win games is extra special and to do it here in front of the LA Galaxy fans was special from me tonight because like I said I probably should have had four or five but to get the three and to get three points was huge tonight to build momentum to go to Austin on the weekend."
A very exited Billy Sharp was happy to talk about his hat trick and the win for the team.
LA Galaxy midfielder Diego Fagúndez who is on the hunt for teams he has not scored against sealed the win for the host at the 84th minute firing a one touch brace past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.
Next Up:
LA Galaxy travel to face Austin FC at Q2 Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 24.
“For me, I was part time lunatic on the side."
GOALS
Billy Sharp- Hattrick
Teemu Pukki- Goal
Bongokuhle Hlongwane - Two Goals
Diego Fagúndez - Goal
Remarkable comeback!!!