There are individual superstars. There are star-studded squads. Then, there are star-studded squads that know how to play together. This weekend, the LA Galaxy left no room for doubt with regards to where they belong on this spectrum, as they handed flashy expansion side NYCFC a 5-1 drubbing in front of a sellout crowd at StubHub Center.
The Galaxy put on a show for the final three-fourths of the game, proving that sometimes you only need a few weeks to forge the type of team chemistry that wins titles. Guess who was once again at the heart of the action? That’s right, our man Giovani Dos Santos. Is anyone else convinced that Gio’s secretly been playing on this team for years?
As if our hearts weren’t already reaching full capacity with endless love/support for the Mexican international, he’s finding new ways to make us question our allegiances to other teams on a weekly basis. Surely I’m not the only one who’s stopped and asked, “Should I join the LA bandwagon?” over the past few weeks.
On Sunday, Dos Santos consistently found space to attack an obviously shaken NYC backline; in the 54th minute, he deftly collected the ball down the right wing and sent a masterful through pass in to find Robbie Keane in stride. Golazo. Chip #1. Then, in the 67th, the roles reversed: Keane sent Gio flying in on a clear breakaway. Golazo. Chip #2.
In total, Gio had seven shots (four on target), one goal, and one assist. His passing accuracy? 97 percent. 97 percent! Just in case you’ve somehow forgotten, he’s already amassed three goals and five assists in his first five games with LA. We’re beyond psyched to see what he might be able to produce for El Tri in their upcoming matches. For now, we’re just enjoying the Gio show.