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LA Galaxy Move Into First for Supporters Shield With 3-2 Victory Over FC Dallas

Three different international superstars scored and the LA Galaxy moved back into first place for the MLS Supporters Shield as they hung on to defeat FC Dallas 3-2 on Sunday night at StubHub Center.

On the night of the supermoon lunar eclipse, three different international superstars scored and the LA Galaxy moved back into first place for the MLS Supporters Shield as they hung on to defeat FC Dallas 3-2 on Sunday night at StubHub Center.

Giovani Dos Santos (Mexico), Robbie Keane (Ireland) and Steven Gerrard (England) all scored for the LA Galaxy as they collected three huge points, giving them 50 on the season as they stand atop the MLS table.

"There's one team with 50 points and that's us," LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said. "There's one team with 50 points in the bank and that's the most important thing."

Dos Santos opened up the scoring in the 11th minute when Gyasi Zardes found the Mexican international streaking down the right flank. Dos Santos shot from close range slotting it past Jesse Gonzalez to the right for the game's first goal.

"As a striker, you always want to score," Dos Santos said. "We know we have great players on our team and we're happy to get the win."

Dos Santos' goal was the first goal scored by the LA Galaxy in three games as they have been held scoreless in their last three matches including a 0-0 draw to the Montreal Impact at home two weeks ago.

"We know we have players on the team that can score goals so we weren't thinking about that," Keane said of the scoreless drought. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but we have scored the most goals in the league, right?"

Dos Santos found Keane minutes later after a magnificent move and pass by the No. 10 found Keane in the center of the box where he was able to chip his shot just inside the right post for the goal.

FC Dallas spoiled the clean sheet party in the 35th minute when Victor Ulloa volleyed a pass down the pitch to Michael Barrios who was able to get a foot and a head on the ball before lifting it over the outstretched arm of Donovan Rickets who was coming forward on the play.

"They're a fantastic team with small players who are very quick and very sharp," Gerrard said of FC Dallas. "At time's they troubled us tonight."

The lucky goal made it a one-goal game and shifted the momentum to Dallas who would press for the equalizer over the next ten minutes.

The Galaxy opened up the second half similar to how they did the first, with a quick goal to help put the game out of reach for their Western Conference opponents.

After a foul committed by Matt Hedges on Sebastian Lletget awarded LA a corner kick, Dos Santos found Keane in the middle of the box off the set piece, but his shot was blocked by a charging Gonzalez. The rebound went right to Gerrard who was in the right place at the right time for his second goal of the season.

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"It's the business end of the season," Gerrard said. "It's about the team performance and getting the three points."

FC Dallas got within one again in the 86th minute off a set piece. Following a corner kick, Atiba Harris buried the ball past Ricketts to cut the Galaxy's lead to 3-2.

Dallas would load up on offense in the final few minutes, looking for the equalizer as the LA Galaxy parked the bus and held on to the lead.

"It's never good when you concede a goal in the final few minutes," Keane said of the late goal. "Thankfully we were able to hold on and get the three points which is the most important."

With the three points, the LA Galaxy have 50 on the season, and move into first place in the Western Conference and the Supporters' Shield race with just three games left to play in the regular season.


Game Notes:
The LA Galaxy supporters packed the house for a sixth consecutive sellout at the StubHub Center.

The Galaxy's +28 goal differential at StubHub Center is the highest in the MLS.
 

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