Who were MLS’ Most Valuable Teams in 2019 and Why?

American football is the definition of sports in the USA, baseball is the national pastime and basketball lands itself a place as the nation’s third most popular professional sport. Now, this absolutely leaves our dear old soccer in a difficult position when it comes to finding its place in the American psyche. However, soccer is not the world’s number one for nothing, the legendary sport is slowly creeping into the hearts of the American audience and it just might have finally found its place in the world’s largest economy.

President and CEO of AEG Dan Beckerman looks on as team President of the Los Angeles Galaxy Chris Klein hands Zlatan Ibrahimovic #9 his jersey during a press conference at StubHub Center on March 30, 2018 in Carson, California.

(March 29, 2018 - Source: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images North America)

History of soccer in America

The world’s game graced American soils from as early as the late 1800s. However, the first professional league of note was formed in 1921 and was referred to as the American Soccer League (ASL). The league thrived for about a decade, attracting European talent and scooping third place at the 1930 World Cup. However, as of 1931, in-house fights between the league and its member teams led to the ASL’s collapse and soccer in America fell off the map for 4 decades.

The USA did manage to gain a memorable victory over England at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. However, soccer was still less prominent compared to the days of the ASL until the 1960s when the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) was formed (1967 to be exact). Sadly, the NPSL only managed to last one season.

When NPSL went up in flames, its ashes gave birth to North American Soccer League (NASL). The NASL managed to change the way people viewed soccer in the USA especially when the great Pele` joined New York Cosmos after his retirement. When the Cosmos signed Pele` who is arguably the greatest player in the history of the game, soccer was catapulted into the mainstream in the USA. Every fan wanted to touch Pele` and shake his hand and Cosmos drew large crowds to stadiums to watch their games. However, Pele` retired from the NASL in 1977 and took the league down with him, fans started to lose interest in the league and by 1984 the NASL had hit the ground.

It took 10 years to get soccer back to the scene in the USA. FIFA decided to host the 1994 World Cup in the USA and interest in the sport was awaken but most Americans were still a bit skeptical. However, efforts to convince Americans too fully like soccer continued to be made and this led to the formation of the famous Major League Soccer, simply known as MLS. Unlike the previous leagues, MLS has endured and managed to change the way soccer is viewed in the USA. MLS has led to a couple of national successes.

In 1999, the USA managed to win the Women’s World Cup and in 2002 the men’s team progressed to the quarter-finals in Brazil. Apart from those two, in 2010 the USA team made it through to the knockout stages when Landon Donovan scored a goal in the group match against Algeria. Finally, with MLS in the picture, the FIFA World Cup began to make sense to Americans. MLS has continued to make soccer a big part of the social and economic circles of America as a whole and the various teams that are part of the league have contributed to its success.

MLS’s most valuable teams 2019

Ranking MLS’s most valuable teams for 2019 can be summarized into a list of the top 9 according to revenue generated and value in dollars as below:

RANK TEAM VALUE($M) REVENUE($M)

1 Atlanta United 500 78

2 LA Galaxy 480 64

3 LA FC 475 75

4 Seattle Sounders 405 47

5 Toronto FC 395 43

6 Portland Timbers 390 47

7 New York City FC 385 45

8 Chicago Fire 335 23

9 DC United 330 41

Carlos Vela #10 of the Los Angeles Football Club dribbles down the field during action against the Portland Timbers at Banc of California Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.

(July 14, 2018 - Source: Katharine Lotze/Getty Images North America)

Atlanta United

Atlanta United found itself in pole position for the second time in a row. The team was worth $500 million at the end of 2019. They also generated $78 million worth of revenue. Apart from financial value, Atlanta United has notable on-field success which include winning the 2018 MLS Cup and making the playoffs in each of its three MLS seasons. This on-field success has increased the team’s fan base and their average home-game attendance of 52,000 fans per game ranks among the top soccer teams in the world. Atlanta United is also a leader in attracting cash flow from Europe’s top leagues, the most notable example being the sale of star midfielder Miguel Almiron to Premier League’s Newcastle United for $27 million, a transfer fee that no other team has ever received before.

LA Galaxy

The team fell second to Atlanta with a value of $480 million. Galaxy has been MLS’s model of success since the league’s genesis in 1994, generating $5.5 million from local media rights. It’s the famous MLS team that never ranks outside the top 6 in average home game attendance. Among all the MLS teams, Galaxy has been the most preferred landing for international stars from the likes of David Beckham to Zlatan Ibrahimović.

LAFC

Galaxy’s rivals have completed only 2 seasons but already finds itself in Forbes’ top 3 and is valued at $475 million. LAFC is reportedly worth annual payments of $6.7 million of naming rights and $6 million of jersey sponsorship. The team has sold out every one of its home games despite having the highest ticket prices in MLS history and ranks eighth in home-game attendance. Both LAFC and Galaxy drew an audience of nearly 900,000 viewers when they faced off in the 2019 semi-final playoffs.

“A good example of that investment is the purchase of Chicago Fire by billionaire Joe Mansueto. In September, the Morningstar Founder Joe Mansueto acquired 100 % ownership of Chicago Fire at $400 million valuation, a huge amount that is worth a value of more than 4 NHL  teams.”

— Lovejoy Tabeth Munamati, FirstTouch Africa

Stefan Frei #24 of Seattle Sounders FC 2 grabs the ball in front of Josef Martinez #7 of Atlanta United and Jordy Delem #21 of Seattle Sounders FC 2 during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia.

(July 14, 2018 - Source: Michael Chang/Getty Images North America)

Seattle Sounders

The league’s fourth most valuable team and the current MLS Cup champions are worth $405 million and comes second after Atlanta United in average home game attendance.

Chicago Fire

Forbes values the team at $335 million ranking it at number 8 in the list of MLS’s most valuable teams. The team has struggled to find its footing in terms of relevance and financial status for a long time, constantly being ranked in the bottom 5 in home game attendance since 2013. However, investors are looking for a possible bright future for MLS teams and USA soccer as a whole by investing large sums of money. A good example of that investment is the purchase of Chicago Fire by billionaire Joe Mansueto. In September, the Morningstar Founder Joe Mansueto acquired 100 % ownership of Chicago Fire at $400 million valuation, a huge amount that is worth a value of more than 4 NHL  teams.

The average MLS team is now worth $313 million, which is up to 30% from last year’s value. The year over year growth in MLS teams far outpaces the rising team values in NBA (13 %), the NFL (11%), MLB (8%) and the NHL (6%). MLS’ average attendance of 21,358 from 2013-2018 has been ranked number 8 in the world. In addition, Atlanta United, the MLS team which only joined MLS in 2017 has the tenth best average attendance of 51,547.

How soccer growth in the USA is impacting business decisions

Professional soccer at all levels is thriving in the USA with increased average attendance and media coverage and this is, in turn, attracting many markets to support MLS. Many businessmen are turning to MLS as a lucrative goldmine and are pouring in investments into the league. Most MLS teams are running at a loss but investors continue to pour in because they believe the future of USA soccer is getting brighter by the day.

“Expansion during the last 15 years has been enormously successful and the key driver behind the league’s continued rise, and we are pleased that some of the top business and community leaders representing great markets in North America are aggressively pursuing MLS expansion clubs,” said MLS commissioner Don Garber.

The question on people’s minds could be “is soccer powerful enough to create employment opportunities and restore the economy in the presence of NBA, NFL, and MLB? “

(L to R) DC United Managing Partner and CEO Jason Levien, Wayne Rooney #9 of DC United, and DC United General Manager Dave Kasper pose with a jersey during his introduction press conference at The Newseum on July 2, 2018 in Washington, DC.

(July 1, 2018 - Source: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images North America)

The answer to the above question is that it is indeed possible for soccer to be part of the driving force for a successful economy in the USA if serious reforms and investments are pushed towards the sport. This will guarantee the future growth of soccer in the USA to come close to the European level.

Huge investments are already being pulled into the Major League soccer for expansion teams. Joe Mansueeto’s purchase of Chicago Fire is a good example of a major investment by notable businessmen and billionaires. Regardless of the MLS team ranking eighth in the list of MLS’s most valuable teams, Mansueto purchased the team at a $400 million valuation. In July 2019, NBA star James Harden invested $15 million for a small stake in the Houston Dynamo. In August, Microsoft executive Terry Myerson led an ownership group that includes celebrities Ciara, Macklemore and Russell Wilson in buying a stake in Seattle Sounders. Another notable purchase was that of 9% of Orlando Sports Holding by Hedge fund manager Albert Friedberg.

In conclusion MLS and soccer in the USA, in general, is finally finding its place in the social and economic circles of Americans punctuated by increasing numbers of fans and investor. Soccer might just be the new goldmine for businessmen in the USA.

MLS Preview: Top 10 Must Watch Players Of African Descent - #7 Emmanuel Boateng

Apparently, Boateng is not the least popular last name in Ghana and neither is the name, Emmanuel. Other than the Chinese Super League based Emmanuel Boateng who once helped Levante sink Barcelona by scoring a hatrick in the 2017/18 La Liga season, the Major League Soccer have their own.

The 24-year-old LA Galaxy forward, Emmanuel “Ema” Boateng got re-signed by the club prior to the commencement of the 2019 season after his three-year contract had run out. He is one such an individual who is yet to realise his full potential at the MLS’ most successful club with a record 5 titles. In his first spell, Ema scored 8 goals and assisted 12 others in a total of 87 appearances (58 starts) across three seasons. The pacey, diminutive winger is an absolute joy to watch in his element. The kind who can slither past opposing players with ease and a rare eye for goal when he chooses. With Galaxy in the mood of chasing another MLS title after missing out on the playoffs in the 2018 season, Ema couldn’t be more important now. Their top man and captain, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has promised to break all records in the American league and that would be made even easier with quality players such as Giovani Dos Santos and Emmanuel Boateng around him. Even the LA Galaxy General Manager was not shy to highlight the importance of the uncapped Ghanaian:

“We are excited that Ema will be returning to LA Galaxy. Ema is a talented young player who brings excitement and depth to our roster. We look forward to his continued development as a player and future contributions to our team.”

— Dennis te Kloese, LA Galaxy General Manager

Boateng was born and grew in Ghana, in a home that lacked running water and electricity. He first made contact with the US after winning a scholarship to attend Cate School in Carpinteria, California. He quickly climbed up the ranks, playing for the University of California, Santa Barbara men’s soccer team before short stints in the Swedish league and eventually making an MLS debut with LA Galaxy in 2016. His story has been featured on documentaries and most notably on CNN.

FT Top 10 World Cup Snub: Honorary Mention - Leroy Sane

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Leroy Sane - Germany

Most arguably the biggest omission of them all. Leroy Sane, one of the best players in Manchester City’s title-winning squad, has been left out of the German team to compete at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. No one could have predicted that he would not make it having scored 14 goals and contributing 17 assists in the most competitive league in the world, the English Premier League. He also won PFA Young Player of the Year. Surely, Joachim Low has made a big decision that could backfire against him. He prefers Brandt and Draxler who have a combined 16 goals and 9 assists in the 2017/18 season. Clearly, these two are not on the 22-year old’s level which leaves us wondering. Why is it that he has been dropped out of that German squad? We need answers!

FT Top 10 World Cup Snub: #2 - Alexander Lacazette

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Alexander Lacazette - France

Alexander Lacazette has reasons to be extremely disappointed as he will not be flying to Russia with the French National Team to play in the World Cup this summer. After making a triumphant return with Arsenal following a mid-season knee injury, his goals helped guide Arsenal to the UEFA Europa League Final. French manager, Didier Deschamps, pointed to Lacazette perhaps not impressing him over the last two years as opposed to his recent form. During the last international friendlies, Lacazette and Anthony Martial were both decisive players and Lacazette scored against Germany. Nevertheless, a massive snub indeed, and some of the French media have focused on the fact that Deschamps has chosen more versatile attackers that are capable of playing in multiple positions and tactically assuming multiple roles. Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe, and Antoine Griezmann are most likely the starting attacking players and with players like Nabil Fekir and Ousmane Dembele also in the 23-man group, France certainly may not regret Lacazette’s absence.

FT Top World Cup Snubs: #1 - Mauro Icardi

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Mauro Icardi - Argentina

Mauro Icardi has been exempted from the FIFA World Cup 2018 Squad for Argentina. Many analysts have come out to say that the Inter Milan striker is so unfortunate to be playing in the age of great attacking options for the country with players like Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala and Lionel Messi. Nonetheless, the player has done enough to deserve a place in the squad. The role of the striker is to score goals and Icardi has just done that for his club this season scoring 30 goals in 38 matches. This rate is better than Higuain and Dybala’s returns this season who played in the same competitions with the player but only managed 27 and 26 each respectively. There are not many players as gifted as the young 25-year old at finishing but Jorge Sampaoli could not trust that he would bring them success in the tournament which raises questions about how these decisions are made. The player evidently had a better season than many but is omitted from the squad which proves that he falling short because he represents a smaller club than his counterparts.

FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #3 - Mario Götze

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Mario Götze - Germany

This one is quite shocking. Who would have ever thought that Mario Götze of all people, would be left out by Joachim Low. The attacking midfielder won Germany the FIFA World Cup in 2014 by scoring the goal that made the difference against Argentina in the final. He controlled the cross from the left and finished past Romero on the 112th minute. This gutted Lionel Messi who went on to retire from the national team. The young German became a hero for his goal which gifted Germany with the World Cup and many assumed that he would be repaid by a place in the final squad. The player has not had a terrible season either having made 38 appearances across all competitions which yielded 3 goals and 6 assists. Surely, Goetze deserved more from his team but the coach thinks otherwise. At the end of the day, Low probably sees that the player delivered when asked to but is now surplus to requirements. Such is the life of a footballer. One moment you’re idolized and the next, you’re insignificant.

FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #4 - Renato Sanches

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Renato Sanches - Portugal

Young Portuguese prodigy, Renato Sanches had a breakout season in the 2015/16 season which earned him a place in the Portugal national team at the UEFA Euro 2016. Ronaldo’s team went on to win the tournament for the first time and the youngster was influential with his second half cameos. Since then, the young midfielder joined Bayern Munich, failed to compete for a starting spot before being shipped out on loan to Swansea this season. The player struggled to make the first team at Swansea who were relegated. He had so much promise which persuaded Bayern Munich into paying £27.5m for his services from Benfica but his trajectory is gradually declining. He will not be a part of the Portugal team that will compete at the FIFA World Cup Russia and he has no one to blame. 20-years of age and is already regarded as an extravagant option. He would not have imagined this, not in a million years.

FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #5 - Shkodran Mustafi

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Shkodran Mustafi - Germany

Another World Cup winner, Shkodran Mustafi has been left out of the Germany squad to compete at this year’s tournament in Russia. The Arsenal defender has had a poor season this year which saw his club finish 6th in the English Premier League. Mustafi was culpable for a number of errors alongside his injury-prone partner, Laurent Koscielny and the pair summarize the defensive problems that the club has. Although Arsenal scored 74 goals, they also shipped in 51 which explains their position in Wenger’s final year in charge. Mustafi had been an international regular as he was also in defense when the country won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017. Many expected him to continue his fill-in role where he usually stands in at right-back, left-back or anywhere in defense. He had been getting away with murder by turning in better performances for his national side than at Arsenal and his luck has finally run out. Joachim Low chose to drop the out of form defender and chose Rudiger instead who has had a slightly better season. Mustafi will not play at this year’s tournament. Ask the Arsenal fans for more.

FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #6 - Javier Pastore

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Javier Pastore - Argentina

The creative midfielder has failed to make the provisional list of the Argentina national team. This comes as a shocker for the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder who has enjoyed an amazing season with his club after the recruitment of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Rubbing shoulders with great players is a dream for many footballers but Pastore’s numbers this season fail to reflect his contributions for PSG. He only managed 5 goals and 5 assists in all competitions which have led to his omission from the national team side. Pastore must be heartbroken to miss out on such a prestigious tournament that his national team came close to winning in 2014. That wraps up the list of the players that failed to make it because they were dropped but there are also big name players who have been ruled out because of injuries which include Dani Alves (Brazil), Chamberlain (England), Koscielny (France) among others.

FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #7 - Sandro Wagner

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Sandro Wagner - Germany

The self-proclaimed ‘best striker’ in Germany, Sandro Wagner has been left out of the World Cup squad by Joachim Low. The player joined Bayern Munich in the middle of the season from Hoffenheim where he had scored 4 goals already. Wagner has scored a total of 14 goals in all competitions and has assisted 4 goals which are not a bad return considering that he has been playing second fiddle to Robert Lewandowski. The player is an out-and-out striker which is a position that Germany has been lacking in talent in recent years. They resorted to Klose and Mario Gomez in recent years because of the lack of options. Now, in a new age of players like Timo Werner and Wagner, the Bayern Munich striker thought he had a chance to represent his nation at the World Cup. Instead, he has been left out which is not just disappointing but shocking as well.

FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #8 - Karim Benzema

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Karim Benzema - France

The Real Madrid striker has not featured for France since 2015. The player was involved in a scandal with teammate Valbuena which saw them both dismissed from the national team fold. Karim Benzema’s qualities are undeniable having been trusted to be Real Madrid’s first choice striker ever since Gonzalo Higuain left in 2013. He fell out of favor with the coach of the national team, Didier Deschamps who is refusing to bring back the player to the national side. The player had a below average season compared to his other outings in the Los Blancos colors but he still scored 10 goals and also helped his teammates to score on 11 occasions. Cristiano Ronaldo likes his strike partnership with Benzema, imagine how France would line-up with Mbappe, Benzema and Griezmann. Anyways, the squad is yet to be announced by Benzema is almost certain to not be included in the team. What a waste of talent by the French national team setup.

FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #9 - Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at the 10 players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Sweden

Yes. The Greatest of All Time, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been snubbed by his national team, Sweden at this year’s grandest tournament. The 36-year old recently joined LA Galaxy from Manchester United after having struggled to retain his form due to a knee injury which he picked up in 2017. The striker was received in Los Angeles with a bang after scoring a vicious rocket from more than 30 yards out on the volley. Such moments typify his career where he has scored some amazing goals not only for his clubs but also for his national team. The player has always been the face of the Swedish national team as long as we can remember but it has finally come to an end. Zlatan Ibrahimovic retired from the national team own his own last year when he was trying to focus on his fitness for Manchester United. He has since recovered and was contemplating on offering his services. He claimed, “It is up to me to decide whether I should play at the World Cup”. Well, I guess it was not all up to him as the Swedish manager, Lars Richt stated that, “Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in that case, for the same reason as with previous national team gatherings, not under consideration for the World Cup squad that national team coach Janne Andersson will announce on May 15.” It’s official, the player will not be playing at the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.

FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #10 - Jack Wilshire

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest individual sports tournament in the whole world. Russia successfully submitted a bid and are going to be hosting this year’s World Cup. Many players have given their all during the 2017/18 season in a bid to get a sit on the plane to Russia to represent their national teams. Since the decisions lie on the managers and their team, it was bound that many players would be shockingly dropped in teams especially with a lot of competition for places. Here, we look at some of the players who failed to make the cut on the final squad list.

Jack Wilshere – England

Regarded as England’s only creative genius, Jack Wilshere has suffered from injuries which hampered his progress ever since he made a name for himself at Arsenal. The player left for Bournemouth last season in search of playing time and had a decent season. He came back to Arsenal and was slowly integrated back into the first team fold. He played some crucial matches in the UEFA Europa League before being handed the chance to redeem himself in the Premier League where he scored 2 goals and provided 5 assists in all competitions. The player was called up to the national team by Gareth Southgate last month before picking up a slight knock that prevented him from playing. I think he is ruing that opportunity because it has cost him his place in the final team.

The England boss named his final list and the player was not even a part of the provisional five. He must be disappointed not to make it. Without Wilshere, England has little creativity from midfield which means that their chances of going far in the tournament have already reduced before even kicking a ball.

Zlatan leads LA Galaxy to a 4-3 win in MLS debut

It has just been 2 nights since the Swedish legend was mobbed at the airport by fans celebrating his arrival in the Major Soccer League. He recently confirmed that he was destined to move to LA Galaxy but had to put that on hold in order to help out Mourinho at Manchester United. He has already started paying off that debt of keeping the MLS waiting by scoring a stunner on his debut. Carlos Vela bossed the match early on as he scored a brace for newly formed club Los Angeles FC while Zlatan was watching from the bench. A Steres own goal made it 3-0 LAFC and Galaxy were looking they were going to lose. It was only after Lletget had reduced the deficit to 3-1 when they called on Zlatan to produce a miracle and save them from a huge embarrassment. Suddenly the team was playing to his strengths and putting the ball over in the box and his teammate Pontius benefited from that as he scored the 2nd goal for Galaxy. Zlatan then took the matters into his own hands when he scored a “worldie”. He connected a volley from 40 yards out and smashed it into the net on the 77th minute to make it 3-3 in the derby. The player who calls himself the God of football then scored the decider on the 90th minute from a cross into the box. He made no mistake as he jumped above the defender and headed it past the on rushing goalkeeper to confirm the win for LA Galaxy. What a way to introduce himself in the MLS. These goals have confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored in all his first official games for the clubs he has played for. What a phenomenon.