The LA Galaxy are hoping Cristian Pavon can reignite their attack.
Zlatan Ibrahimovc has certainly showed his worth to the LA Galaxy, but it’s the team’s latest signing that will certainly make his case over the next few months, not to mention provided Ibrahimovic with some help.
Cristian Pavon is proving to be worth all the effort the Galaxy put in to bring him to Dignity Health Sports Park. While Ibrahimovic provided the goals, Pavon in addition to having a hand in both goals also provided some dangerous attacking moments as the Galaxy jumped back into the first three of the Western Conference playoff race with a 2-0 win over Dallas at Dignity Health Sports Park.
“I think that [Cristian] Pavon played well. It shows in the result, and in the game,” Galaxy head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto said. “I think that as he gets to know his teammates, the league, and once he’s well rested, he’s only going to get better.”
The win pits the Galaxy (31-11-1, 40 points) into a tie for third place in the West alongside Real Salt Lake, and both teams are one point back of Minnesota United for the second spot. With LAFC basically having the top spot in the West all but locked up, it becomes important for the Galaxy to finish anywhere from the second seed to the fourth seed, meaning that those teams would get to host a wild card playoff game.
It took 67 minutes for the Galaxy to final get on the scoreboard. Cristian Pavon Jorgen Skjelvik into the penalty area, Skjelvik sent a short cross to Ibrahimovic, who then turned and fired q quick one-timer past keeper Jesse Gonzalez into the back net. Later in the half, in the 79th minute, Ibrahimovic and Pavon worked a one-two that resulted in Pavon getting the ball inside the penalty area. As Pavon maneuvered his way in the box, he was tripped by Reggie Cannon and referee Ismail Elfath waited before signaling for the penalty spot. Two minutes later, Ibrahimovic buried the penalty to give the Galaxy two two-goal cushion.
“I feel good,” Pavon said “I’m adapting because it was a big change. To come from Argentina is a big change but I’m adapting little by little, trying to settle in and trying to learn more every day.”
Those two moments are not the only times Pavon was influential in the match. Pavon chipped a ball over a Dallas defender that allowed himself free space and chance at goal, though Dallas eventually recovered and snuffed that chance out. Pavon also had a shot attempt in the 24th minute that was easily saved by Gonzalez.
“He is very good. He is too good for MLS,” Ibrahimovic said. “I think MLS will not have him for a long time. We should enjoy him while he is here.”
There is no rest for the Galaxy this week, as they are back at it on Saturday in a massive match against the Seattle Sounders at home.
