Marco Reus debut performance leads LA Galaxy to a 2-0 win over Atlanta United
Marco Reus' spectacular debut performance leads the G's to victory in return to MLS play
The LA Galaxy defeated Atlanta United 2-0 in large part due to the marquee signing of Marco Reus, who made an instant impact off the bench. Over 25,000 were on hand to watch the debut of the German at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday night.
The first half saw little action from both sides. Atlanta dropped its defensive line and created its best opportunities in transition. The LA Galaxy struggled to break down its opponent in possession – which is a story that has been present for a lot of this season. It was not a memorable half of soccer at all.
The introduction of Reus in the 62nd minute changed everything for the Galaxy. The energetic roar of the crowd brought the stadium to life as the German playmaker began to make his mark in the game. Soon enough he brought the showtime factor that only superstars can bring.
His patience in the box waiting for Riqui Puig’s trailing run at the top of the box showed how the German reads the game differently. In a situation where most players would take a shot quickly, he was able to pick out the best opportunity for LA.
“You see his quality out on the field and his pedigree is there. It's pretty clear to see. It's exciting,” said Head Coach Greg Vanney.
“You get Riqui (Puig) who is buzzing around and Marco who is calculating his spaces and what the play is going to look like, and it's an interesting combination. It unlocked him at the end. They did a lot of work for 60 minutes because we had the ball so much, and the ball was moving a lot,” he added.
At 1-0, the game is still ways away from being in the bag. Reus put the finishing touch on the match with his first LA Galaxy goal in the 84th minute.
His shot inside the box was saved by Brad Guzan but gave up a rebound to Reus that way put away the game. The stadium erupted as the LA Galaxy’s new superstar celebrated with his new teammates.
“First of all, I was really, really excited before the game. I didn't play for two months. I was really, really excited to come in and to get a couple of minutes from the coach with the team,” Rues told reporters.
Despite having a goal and assist on the night, Reus wanted the team to be more efficient in its attacking scenarios.
“I was really, really happy that we found a way to win the game. It was a little bit late. We have in the first half enough situations where we (were) in a 1v1 situation but we missed the last pass or striker was not in his position. We have to learn from it,” he told the media.
The win keeps the Galaxy at the top of the Western Conference and widened the gap as LAFC will not play this weekend and Real Salt Lake lost to San Jose.
“Like I said it's not about me, it's about the team. We want to be champions after the season. So we take game by game," said Reus postgame.
“I say before the game, he could be the game changer. He could today. Very happy for him. Very happy for the team,” said LA Galaxy captain Maya Yoshida.
“It's too early to say but just one game because yeah, you can say whatever you want, but I feel we are on the right way, this could be another level that we needed.”
Rues still has work to do to be at 100% fitness. Vanney told reporters Reus was at 60-70 percent fitness levels heading into this game and the German agreed with his coach’s assessment.
“I wasn't playing for more than two months, so I need, of course, a little bit of time to adapt,” said Reus.
“Also with the temperature here, it's really different than in Europe. Yeah, but we will see. Like every training session will help me to get in form every day. So I think next week I will be much better than this week, and I hope we can continue like this."
The Galaxy saw its first glimpse of what Reus could do and how easy the game came to him. He plays at a different speed and is able to create chances when teams want to bunker down against LA.
With Joseph Paintsil’s penalty miss early in the second half, the Galaxy is now 3 for 7 from the spot. Vanney made it clear the team cannot afford to miss penalties - especially come playoff time.
“We have a new guy in town. Maybe he's a penalty kicker. We'll see,” said Vanney. It’s safe to Reus arrived at the right time for the LA Galaxy as the championship hunt begins for LA Galaxy.