The Los Angeles Galaxy returned to winning ways following a 4-1 thrashing of the Portland Timbers at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Rayan Raveloson opened the scoring for Los Angeles in the 27th minute only to see Jeremy Ebobisse level just two minutes later. The Galaxy then took command as Victor Vazquez scored in the 34th minute, Sasha Kljestian converted a penalty and Samuel Grandsir picked up his first career MLS goal.
Story of the match
Jeremy Ebobisse, a last-minute starter in place of Felipe Mora, Jeremy was sprung in behind in the second minute. However, he never got the ball under control, and his half-hearted effort was palmed away by Jonathan Bond.
In the eleventh minute, Marvin Loria worked the ball into a good spot in the corner of the box and cut the ball back to an onrushing George Fochive. He could not keep his first-time attempt down and it sailed harmlessly over the bar.
The Galaxy opened the scoring in the 17th minute. The initial cross was headed up in the air, and midfielder Rayan Raveloson rose and his overhead bicycle kick beat Steve Clark at the far post, giving Los Angeles a 1-0 lead.
Portland would have a nearly immediate answer. Breaking down the field, Yimmi Chara broke past the backline, and then cut the ball back for Ebobisse in the box, who cut past his defender, and then calmly finished past Bond to level things at 1-1.
The hosts went back in front for good when Julian Araujo found the ball on the right wing and worked his way past Bill Tuiloma. He chipped in a cross that would find Vazquez in an acre of space and his header would make it 2-1.
Los Angeles nearly found another goal right before halftime as Kevin Cabral headed a cross past Steve Clark, but the referee's flag went up for offside.
In the 52nd minute, Kljestian found Cabral in space at the far post. His initial shot was blocked, and Clark came out to try to collect the ball, but missed it completely and clattered into Cabral, the referee pointing to the spot. Kljestian stepped up and made no mistake, slotting right down the middle after making Clark dive the wrong way.
Three minutes later, it was four. Araujo again was the facilitator as he drove at the Timbers defense. Josecarlos Van Rankin came up with a sliding challenge, which Araujo easily glided past. With Van Rankin still on the ground, he whipped in a cross, which found a streaking Grandsir completely unmarked at the far post and he headed past Clark.
Despite a quadruple substitution, Portland never threatened again and Los Angeles had their first win in almost a month in emphatic fashion.
Man of the match: Julian Araujo
The young fullback put on an attacking clinic, supplying two assists and helping the Galaxy to three points. Defensively, he was calm and composed, showing he's versatile on both ends of the pitch.