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Robbie Keane scored his second goal in as many games as the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Seattle Sounders 1-0 to maintain their Major League Soccer play-off push on Saturday.
Irish international Keane, who scored a stunning goal in Monday’s victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps, rounded off a fine passing move to fire Galaxy ahead in the 15th minute at CenturyLink Field.
“Two games, two goals, two wins. It’s all right, huh?” said Keane, who was especially pleased to help the Galaxy notch just their second away win of 2016.
“A couple of months ago we probably would’ve lost or drawn,” Keane said. “So obviously it was a good three points away from home. Especially coming here in difficult circumstances playing against a good team. All in all it was a good day.”
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Seattle pressed hard for an equaliser during an entertaining second half, but Los Angeles held firm.
Jordan Morris should have scored after a mix-up involving Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe allowed the Seattle player a golden chance in the 53rd minute.
But Morris shot directly at the covering Galaxy defender AJ DeLaGarza and Los Angeles survived.
US international Clint Dempsey almost levelled for Seattle in the 76th minute, but his looping header from the centre of the area was tipped over by Rowe.
The victory leaves Los Angeles in third place in the MLS Western Conference standings with 29 points from 18 games.
FC Dallas, who beat San Jose 1-0 on Friday, lead the standings with 37 points from the Colorado Rapids with 33.
Seattle’s defeat is the latest in a miserable season for the Pacific Northwest powerhouses, who are bottom of the 10-team table with 17 points from 17 games.
The Philadelphia Union pulled within one point of Eastern Conference leaders New York City FC with a 3-0 victory over DC United.
Brazilian import Ilsinho scored twice in the convincing victory, in which United conceded two first-half penalties on surging runs into the box by Chris Pontius and Ilsinho.
Roland Alberg converted first from the spot and Ilsinho slotted home the spot kick he had won himself before firing a headed pass from CJ Sapong into the top left corner in the 47th minute.
The Union now have 29 points to the 30 of New York City, who face Sporting Kansas City on Sunday.
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