The LA Galaxy secured a 2-1 win Wednesday night at Real Salt Lake, vaulting above the Seattle Sounders and into third place in the Western Conference standings.
The result, sparked by Cristian Pavon and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, clinched LA’s spot in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs – marking the club’s first postseason trip since 2016. Conversely, RSL will have to wait to secure a playoff spot.
After a tepid first half, the Galaxy sparked to life in the 50th minute when Pavon collected a flicked-on header from Ibrahimovic. The Argentine winger squared up RSL center back Nedum Onuoha and slotted a left-footed shot past Nick Rimando for the 1-0 lead.