Monday 24 August 2015 07:42, UK
Robbie Keane scored twice as Los Angeles Galaxy claimed their fourth successive MLS victory by routing New York City FC 5-1 at Stubhub Center on Sunday.
New York - who were without the injured Frank Lampard - started brightly, with Andrea Pirlo combining well with David Villa but the Galaxy soon started to get a grip on proceedings.
The hosts never looked back after Gyasi Zardes opened the scoring after 36 minutes, flicking a header home from Keane's cross, while the provider turned goalscorer nine minutes into the second half when the Republic of Ireland striker chipped over City goalkeeper Josh Saunders.
Former Tottenham and Barcelona forward Giovani dos Santos struck midway through the second half, breaking through to lift the ball over a helpless Saunders.
And it was 4-0 three minutes later when Steven Gerrard's cross was tapped in by Sebastian Lletget before City pulled one back 10 minutes from time through Villa's spot-kick after Patrick Mullins was fouled by Dan Gargan inside the area.
It proved scant consolation for Jason Kreis' men and their woes were deepened almost immediately after their goal when Keane bagged his second with a close-range finish from Robbie Rogers' low cross to restore the Galaxy's four-goal cushion.
It could have been even worse for the visitors when Gerrard burst through the defence. The former Liverpool captain chose to pull the ball across for Keane, but the 35-year-old tried to return the favour and the chance went begging.
However, it did not dampen Galaxy spirits as they jumped back to the top of the Western Conference, while New York slipped outside the play-offs in the Eastern Conference.
