Photos courtesy of the LA Galaxy.
Sebastian Lletget, center, scored his first goal of the 2021 season for the LA Galaxy,
Sometimes, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.
That was the theme for Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez on Saturday afternoon against Austin FC. The day did not start out well for Chicharito, as he had a penalty saved in the first half, but in another sign that the 2021 season is indeed a season of redemption for Chicharito, he made amends for the missed penalty with a late second half goal that wrapped up another three points for the Galaxy on Saturday as a result of its 2-0 win at Dignity Health Sports Park.
“It was very important to step up, because sometimes these games are tricky,” said Chicharito. “Regardless of the teams, because like I have always said, every single team in MLS is tough, and it’s very important.”
The Galaxy had a chance to grab the lead in the first half, as Chicharito chased down a forward ball into the penalty area, Chicharito collided with Jhohan Romana inside the penalty area and the Galaxy were awarded the penalty. Chicharito stepped up to the penalty spot, and having scored goals from just about everywhere around the pitch so far, surely the penalty spot would be a slam dunk for Chicharito. That unfortunately turned out not to be the case, as Chicharito shot to his right, but the shot was saved by keeper Brad Stuver. The Galaxy did take the lead in the 35th minute, as Sebastian Lletget chased down a Daniel Steres long ball, and also benefitted from Hector Jimenez’s ill-fated clearance header to find himself free inside the penalty area, and Lletget slotted the shot past Stuver far post to put the Galaxy ahead.
Then came the moment of redemption for Chicharito, and it happened in the 77th minute. Araujo crossed from the right side into the penalty area and Chicharito split in between two Austin defenders and one-timed the shot past Stuver near post to double the Galaxy advantage and basically seal the three points.
“I thought everybody from top to bottom was really well,” Lletget said. “Our lines were connected a bit more, just overall a bit organized and my biggest take is the clean sheet. I think it has been a while since our fans have seen that so great defensive effort.”
Now the Galaxy brace for a big test, as they head to Portland to face the always strong Timbers.
