STEVEN GERRARD MADE a dream start to his Major League Soccer career last night, scoring on his full debut as the Los Angeles Galaxy came from behind to beat the San Jose Earthquakes 5-2 in the California Clasico.
But Ireland skipper Robbie Keane bagged a hat-trick.
Liverpool legend Gerrard, who had played 45 minutes of a friendly for the Galaxy last weekened and appeared as a substitute in a midweek cup match, helped trigger a remarkable fightback after San Jose raced into an early 2-0 lead.
Gerrard’s former Liverpool team-mate Robbie Keane was the star, scoring atreble as the Galaxy romped home. But Gerrard left the pitch to a standing ovation after transforming the course of a match that San Jose looked set to win.
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The midfielder won the penalty which Keane converted to make it 2-1 and then fired home a 37th-minute equaliser to make it 2-2.
Gerrard, watched by former England and Los Angeles star David Beckham in the stands, then provided the free-kick which Keane steered home to make it 3-2 on 64 minutes.
Gerrard also nearly claimed a second in the 70th minute, his freekick crashing back off the woodwork. Keane and Gerrard combined again in the build-up which led to the second penalty 10 minutes from time, duly stroked home by Ireland striker Keane for 4-2. Sebastian Lletget then grabbed a late fifth for the Galaxy.
Robbie Keane and Stevie G are going to get along just fine judging by last night's performance
STEVEN GERRARD MADE a dream start to his Major League Soccer career last night, scoring on his full debut as the Los Angeles Galaxy came from behind to beat the San Jose Earthquakes 5-2 in the California Clasico.
But Ireland skipper Robbie Keane bagged a hat-trick.
Liverpool legend Gerrard, who had played 45 minutes of a friendly for the Galaxy last weekened and appeared as a substitute in a midweek cup match, helped trigger a remarkable fightback after San Jose raced into an early 2-0 lead.
Gerrard’s former Liverpool team-mate Robbie Keane was the star, scoring atreble as the Galaxy romped home. But Gerrard left the pitch to a standing ovation after transforming the course of a match that San Jose looked set to win.
The midfielder won the penalty which Keane converted to make it 2-1 and then fired home a 37th-minute equaliser to make it 2-2.
Gerrard, watched by former England and Los Angeles star David Beckham in the stands, then provided the free-kick which Keane steered home to make it 3-2 on 64 minutes.
Gerrard also nearly claimed a second in the 70th minute, his freekick crashing back off the woodwork. Keane and Gerrard combined again in the build-up which led to the second penalty 10 minutes from time, duly stroked home by Ireland striker Keane for 4-2. Sebastian Lletget then grabbed a late fifth for the Galaxy.
Gerrard said he was reveling in the resumption of his partnership with former Liverpool team-mate Keane.
“We had that chemistry at Liverpool,” Gerrard said. “When you’re playing with good players its easy to connect.
The former England captain also revealed he had ignored calls from Arena on the sideline about whether he needed to be substituted.
“Bruce was shouting ‘How are you doing?’ and I kept looking away pretending not to hear him,” Gerrard said.
“I felt like a kid again out there. I just want to play as many minutes as possible.”
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American Dream LA Galaxy Robbie Keane STEVIE G