Gerrard then played a key role in the Galaxy’s third when he drilled a low free-kick across the box that Keane flicked home and he nearly scored again when he curled a 25-yard free kick that rocked the crossbar.
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Gerrard wore Liverpool shin pads during the game, and needed just 37 minutes to find the back of the net, equalizing the game at 2-2 after the Earthquakes had scored two early goals.
He hit the bar, won a penalty and laid on the assist for Robbie Keane. His blast to the near post from the left byline, just outside the box, was redirected by Keane, who got inside Fatai Alashe for the finish. I’m salivating at the thought of seeing Gerrard lineup alongside Keane, Zardes and dos Santos.
Amarikwa broke through the backline in the 23rd minute on an excellent ball from Sanna Nyassi to beat keeper Brian Rowe, who made his sixth start of the season. Amarikwa’s pushed the ball too far ti the left, then fired straight at the retreating Rowe. First, Keane converted a 30th-minute penalty after Gerrard was fouled by Tommy Thompson.
“The first 45 minutes were good”.
With Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena fuming on the sidelines, the Galaxy continued to play calm and composed, intelligently spraying the ball and patiently waiting for the right time to strike.
Los Angeles got on the board in the 30th minute. “In the second half, we had a pretty solid half. Unfortunately, we were unable to do that tonight”.
The LA Galaxy pair only shared a few months together at Anfield before Keane was shipped back out but Gerrard believes that they had instant chemistry, and he’s delighted to reignite that flame.
The idea of what Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane might achieve in tandem was most tantalizing for the LA Galaxy and their fans, but the reality looks even greater. He’s a very intelligent player. He’s the MVP [in MLS].
“Whereas I know coming here on a Monday, come Friday or Saturday I’m going to be a big part of it and start. ‘I love derby matches”.
On Friday night I experienced my first Major League Soccer match at LA Galaxy’s StubHub Center stadium. I’m really happy sitting here.
“I felt like a kid out there again“, the 35-year-old Gerrard said after playing 87 minutes and leaving to a standing ovation. “I don’t want to give too much away for tomorrow but I’ll be ready to play in whatever position the manager asks me to play”. I was determined not to become a squad player [as would have occurred at Liverpool]. I fell like I’ve still got energy.
“I was quite disappointed in the previous two games not to get goals, I had two good chances”, Gerrard said.
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This team will be scary once he gets into better game shape.
