MLS Review: Ibrahimovic lifts Galaxy, LAFC held despite Vela goal

Zlatan Ibrahimovic ensured LA Galaxy capitalised after rivals Los Angeles FC were held despite another Carlos Vela goal in MLS on Sunday.

Ibrahimovic scored a 78th-minute winner to see the Galaxy overcome Real Salt Lake 2-1 in California.

Uriel Antuna’s tap-in for the Galaxy had been cancelled out by Donny Toia in the second half.

But Ibrahimovic struck his eighth goal of the season, side-footing in a Sebastian Lletget cross for the winner.

You don’t want to upset the Lion. 

Zlatan makes it 2-1! #LAvRSL https://t.co/lLl7fh68Fk

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 29, 2019

The result moved the Galaxy to within a point of Western Conference leaders Los Angeles FC, who drew 1-1 against nine-man Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field.

Seattle struck after just 45 seconds through Jordan Morris, who intercepted a poor back pass to open the scoring.

However, Vela scored his 11th goal of the season just three minutes later, the Mexican tapping in a Diego Rossi cross.

The 11th on the year for Cracklitos!!#SEAvLAFC 1-1 pic.twitter.com/0NN8NObVlV

— LAFC (@LAFC) April 28, 2019

The Sounders were reduced to 10 men in the 18th minute when Cristian Roldan was sent off for making contact with the face of Eduard Atuesta in a scuffle.

Christian Ramirez missed the best chance of the second half when he somehow put an effort over from point-blank range for LAFC.

In an end-to-end finish to the game, Kelvin Leerdam was also sent off for the Sounders, who held on for a point.

Elsewhere, Eastern Conference leaders DC United suffered a surprise 1-0 loss to Minnesota United at Allianz Field.

Montreal Impact moved level on points with DC thanks to a 1-0 victory at home to Chicago Fire.