Steven Gerrard made a telling impact on his MLS debut for LA Galaxy inspiring his team’s comeback from 2 goals down, scoring the second goal, while also playing a part in all of Robbie Keane’s three goals as LA Galaxy registered a 5-2 win over San Jose Earthquakes.
Gerrard had made his competitive debut for LA Galaxy against Real Salt Lake on Tuesday night in the U.S. Open Cup loss, marked his full debut with a goal and an assist. The . Liverpool FC legend, who was wearing Liverpool shin-pads had seen his new team go behind courtesy of a Quincy Amarolwa double, before he equalized in the 37th minute.
Gerrard scored one, assisted another, hit the crossbar once and had one goal disallowed
Gerrard won the penalty, after having been allegedly elbowed by Tommy Thompson during an aerial duel, although it did seem to be a slightly harsh call. Robbie Keane converted from the spot to pull one back for the hosts in the 30th minute. Gerrard equalized minutes later, sweeping home from his right foot, after a deflected cross had made it’s way to him, scoring on his league debut.
Gerrard then set-up Keane in the 64th minute with a low free-kick from the left flank, which the former Liverpool striker duly converted. The 34-year-old Liverpool legend could have doubled his account minutes later, when his free-kick from 25 yards out, beat the keeper but came back off the bar.
Keane made it 4 in the 80th minute, converting from the spot for a second time, after the goal-keeper had brought down Husidic, even though Gerrard had already scored, the referee still brought the ball back to the penalty spot and Keane converted, netting his hat-trick.
Sebastian Lleget completed the rout scoring the 5th goal in the 90th minute with a close range header. Gerrard left to a standing ovation, as the 27,000 in attendance were in awe of the former Liverpool man after he was substituted in the 88th minute.
Here are the highlight’s of Gerrard’s dream debut: