LA Galaxy produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Colorado Rapids 3-2 at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday night, overturning a two-goal half-time deficit in a frantic Western Conference fixture.
Colorado appeared firmly in control after early goals from Donavan Phillip and Paxten Aaronson, but the Galaxy found a way back through a Reggie Cannon own goal before João Klauss and Justin Haak delivered the decisive strikes.
The Rapids made the sharper opening and were ahead inside four minutes. Donavan Phillip struck in the 4th minute to give the visitors an ideal start, before Paxten Aaronson doubled the advantage in the 39th minute. Colorado took a deserved 2-0 lead into the interval after enjoying 60 percent possession and restricting the Galaxy’s routes forward.
But the home side emerged with far greater urgency after the break. Their comeback began in the 53rd minute when Colorado defender Reggie Cannon turned the ball into his own net, cutting the deficit in half and changing the atmosphere around the pitch.
The Galaxy pressed forward with renewed belief and drew level through João Klauss in the 66th minute. With Colorado suddenly under sustained pressure, the hosts completed the turnaround eight minutes later as Justin Haak powered home a header in the 74th minute.
Galaxy defended their advantage through nine minutes of stoppage time to secure all three points. Despite having only 40 percent of the ball, they carried a greater threat in the decisive moments, finishing with 15 shots and six on target compared with Colorado’s nine attempts and four on target.
The result moves LA Galaxy’s overall record to 9-9-10, while Colorado Rapids fall to 11-3-13. The Galaxy next host St. Louis CITY SC on October 11, while the Rapids return home to face San Jose Earthquakes on October 10.
Goals
- Colorado Rapids: Donavan Phillip, 4′
- Colorado Rapids: Paxten Aaronson, 39′
- LA Galaxy: Reggie Cannon own goal, 53′
- LA Galaxy: João Klauss, 66′
- LA Galaxy: Justin Haak, 74′
