LA Galaxy record 2-1 win over Houston Dynamo to begin three game week
Miki Yamane and Gabriel Pec the standout players against the Texas side
The LA Galaxy’s 2-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo on Saturday night ended the club’s five-game winless run. LA returned to winning ways after four straight draws in league play heading into the match at Dignity Health Sports Park.
The visitors found the opening goal of the game through a casual pass from goalkeeper John McCarthy in the back. Latif Blessing intercepted his pass and McCarthy couldn’t recover in time as the ball was already in the back of the net in the 18th minute of the match.
The Galaxy equalized in the 44th minute with a headed goal from Gabriel Pec. The Brazilian was left unmarked in the box and scored his fourth goal of the season in front of Vicotria Block.
The game-winner came from Riqui Puig (debuting a new hair color) in the 60th minute for his fourth goal of the season. The Galaxy did well in the build play with Pec playing the pass that set up Puig’s shot near the edge of the penalty box.
LA closed out the game in front of 21,707 at Dignity Health Sports Park to remain unbeaten at home this season.
“I think [the win] settles the group in going into Wednesday and going into the week because it's another busy week. So really important."
- LA Galaxy
Yamane’s Breakout Game
The Man of the Match goes to Miki Yamane without a doubt. The Japanese fullback has been consistent all season for the G’s but stood out during Saturday night’s victory. Not only did he record his first assist in MLS play but also had a crucial goalline clearance in the 20th minute to prevent the LA Galaxy from going down by two goals at home once again.
“"I'm happy to help the team win. Thank you,” said a delighted Yamane in his opening statement during his postgame presser.
Yamane played as a traditional full back and inverted full back during his first season with the Galaxy. His transition to MLS has been pretty quick considering this is Yamane’s first-ever career year where he is playing outside of Japan.
"There's definitely a better understanding between the players and definitely building a better relationship, and definitely having fun on the field,” said Yamane.
“I'm definitely starting to show that on the field as well.”
Yamane came with pedigree as one of Japan’s most consistent defenders and regarded as the best at his position with Kawasaki Frontale. His performance in MLS may not be getting a lot of attention across the league but Vanney has spoken lots of praise about his new full back this season.
“I think the more involved he is; the more you see him; the more quality that you see that comes out of him,” Vanney told reporters.
He mentioned during his presser that there were moments Yamane wasn’t as involved in the game and where he was “hiding a little bit” during this season. Vanney’s been wanting to get Yamane on the ball to use his quality and it’s led to better performances from the Japanese defender.
Game Changer
Vanney described 23-year-old Pec’s performance in Charlotte as being unable to make a difference. A week later, Pec put one of his shots in the back of the net and set up the game-winning goal for the LA Galaxy's first win in a month.
“He's capable of causing problems on either side and tonight he showed that,” said Vanney about Pec. “He was dynamic and he was aggressive and whether it was in transition or times when we were getting him on the run, (you see) some of his power and speed and more of his qualities come out.”
Pec has four goals and two assists in six home games this season. The Brazilian’s scoring form at home has been key to getting him on the scoresheet.
“I feel very good in front of the fans playing over here. My next goal is to score away, as well and I hope I can do that as soon as possible,” said Pec postgame.
“I'm getting more comfortable in the environment I'm in right now. I'm developing game by game as you can see. The fans have been welcoming since day one, and I feel very pleased with that,” he added.
Pec stepping up is exactly what the Galaxy needed tonight and it turned out to be the difference between a win and a loss at home.
