Robbie Keane penalty kicks give Galaxy 2-1 win over Columbus Crew
The Galaxy and Columbus Crew were scoreless for the first 77 minutes Thursday night as Independence Day fireworks exploded over neighborhoods near StubHub Center.
Then the fireworks started on the field.
Columbus scored in the 78th minute and Galaxy forward Robbie Keane responded by converting two penalty kicks — the second one in the second minute of stoppage time — to give the Galaxy a 2-1 win over the Crew in front of 24,180.
“We fought hard to win the game and we were fortunate,” Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena said.
It was a badly needed victory for the Galaxy, which had won only one of its prior five games and most recently had suffered a crushing 3-2 loss to San Jose when the Earthquakes scored twice in stoppage time.
“It’s important to get a win no matter how you do it,” Keane said.
The Galaxy appeared set for another exercise in frustration Thursday night. Although the club attacked with many more shots than Columbus, the Galaxy’s shots kept missing their mark and the Crew scored first.
Like a chip shot in golf, a header shot by Columbus midfielder Bernardo Anor floated over goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini into the back of the net to give the Crew a 1-0 lead.
“That’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime goals,” Arena said.
But after Galaxy midfielder Jose Villarreal was fouled inside the penalty area in the 85th minute, Keane scored on the penalty kick with a shot past goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum to pull the Galaxy even.
Six minutes later, Keane was fouled again by Columbus and again he scored with the penalty kick, this one lined into the right corner of the goal.
The win improved the Galaxy’s record to 8-7-3. With 27 points, the team is fourth in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference.
Columbus fell to 5-8-5 and, with 20 points, is eighth in the Eastern Conference.
Although the Galaxy was without star forward Landon Donovan, who was playing with the U.S. national team, the Galaxy overwhelmed the Crew with shots taken toward the goal, 23 to eight.
But most of the Galaxy’s shots misfired. Keane and forward Gyasi Zardes, for instance, each had one shot saved by Gruenebaum and each had one that sailed over the goal into the stands.
“We can be accused of not finishing our chances,” Arena said.
‘Messi’ discount
The Galaxy said it would offer discounted tickets to Sunday night’s game against FC Dallas to fans who had planned to attend the canceled “Messi and Friends” exhibition that had been scheduled for Wednesday at the Coliseum.
Fans should call the general office number, (877) 3Galaxy, or visit the StubHub Center box office.
The discount will not be available for walk-up purchases.
Times staff writer Andrew Gastelum contributed to this report.
