LA Galaxy are hoping Javier Hernandez's late season form can set the stage for a big 2021 after he ended his goal drought in their penultimate game.
A midweek draw with Seattle Sounders meant the Galaxy cannot make the playoffs, but they were boosted by Hernandez's second MLS goal
The former Manchester United striker had not hit the net since mid-July and later apologized for his difficult season.
But interim coach Dom Kinnear is optimistic Hernandez can now kick on - first against Vancouver Whitecaps on Decision Day and then next season.
"I think the one thing we're all disappointed in was the way the season went for him," Kinnear said.
"I think, hopefully, with this goal and hopefully a couple more chances in goals on Sunday, if it were to happen, it leads into something great for 2021."
General manager Dennis te Kloese is equally keen for Hernandez to stay in LA and rediscover his best form.
"We're committed on supporting him, we're committed on backing him up and coming into a good spot," Te Kloese said.
Meanwhile, wins for Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes ended Vancouver's playoff hopes.
Whitecaps coach Marc Dos Santos told TSN1040: "When you start depending on others to do the job for you, it becomes more difficult.
"We still had hopes. Unfortunately, we were not depending on ourselves, only the other teams, so we have to move on. It was disappointing.
"Now we have to shift in a different direction to get guys' minds right for the last game."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Vancouver Whitecaps - Lucas Cavallini
While not a flop on the same scale as the Galaxy's misfiring forward, Vancouver would have certainly hoped for more from Cavallini this year. He can belatedly boost his five-goal tally on Sunday and remind fans what he is capable of heading into the offseason.
LA Galaxy - Javier Hernandez
As much as all parties have discussed a willingness to go again next year, it is vital Hernandez does end the season on a high to at least provide cause for encouragement. His only two MLS goals have come against Vancouver's Cascadia rivals in Portland Timbers and Seattle.
KEY OPTA FACTS
- The Galaxy recorded a 1-0 win over Vancouver at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday, ending a two-match losing streak against the Caps. The Galaxy have not won two matches against Vancouver in a single season since 2014 (W2 D1).
- The Whitecaps were held without a goal for the second consecutive game in their 1-0 loss to Portland Timbers on November 1. For the second straight season, Vancouver have been shut out 10 times. Since joining the league in 2011, their 99 scoreless performances are second only to DC United (100).
- Following a 1-1 draw with Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, the Galaxy have conceded one goal in each of their past two matches (also a 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake). The Galaxy have not held opponents under two goals in three straight matches since May 2019.
- LA were officially eliminated from postseason contention on Wednesday. They have now missed the playoffs in three of the past four seasons after failing to qualify for the postseason in just three of their first 21 MLS seasons.
- Against the Sounders, Javier Hernandez scored his first goal since netting in the group stage of MLS is Back on July 13, a span of 433 minutes. The Galaxy have won just one of the 11 games in which Chicharito has played - a 1-0 win over Vancouver on October 18.
Post a Comment
Thanks For Comment We Will Get You Back Soon.