Carson, CA – The Los Angeles Galaxy were tied with the Portland Timbers in the 65th minute when Zlatan Ibrahimovic beat six defenders to reach the box but was fouled on a slide by goalkeeper Jeff Attinella.
Ibrahimovic, who returned to the lineup after missing two games with an injury, netted his second goal from the penalty spot to help the Galaxy to a 2-1 win over Portland Sunday at the Dignity Health Sports Park.
“I’m here to perform,” Ibrahimovic said. “I said I’m not here on vacation, I’m here to play for the Galaxy and to do my best for the Galaxy.”
The Swedish superstar got Los Angeles on the board first when he was fouled in the penalty area by Timbers defender Claude Dielna. Ibrahimovic converted the penalty kick to give the Galaxy a 1-0 lead.
Portland tied it on a goal by Jeremy Ebobisse in the 44th minute. David Guzman found Ebobisse inside the box for the equalizer.
“I think during the game, sometimes, we managed the ball,” Galaxy coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto said. “I think we managed the game, but we couldn’t be deeper like I’d like. But, we had the possibility, they had the goal and some shot from outside the box, and nothing more.”
Los Angeles improved to 3-1 on the season and sit at fifth place in the Western Conference with nine points. Up next for the Galaxy is a road game against the Vancouver Whitecaps Friday at 7 p.m.
“It is very important to be creating a winning mentality, and it’s necessary for a team to have aspirations for winning,” Barros Schelott said.
