The LA Galaxy have scored plenty of remarkable goals throughout their 21-year history, but not all of their 1,032 are as well-known as other.
In honor of #GalaxyThrowback night, I found five unheralded, but still remarkable goals from throughout the team’s history.
DAVID BECKHAM vs. REAL SALT LAKE (5/3/08)
Everyone knows about the many world-class goals David Beckham scored in an LA Galaxy kit, but this little-known strike away to Real Salt Lake is up there with all of the greats.
The Galaxy found themselves behind two goals in the 36th minute when Alan Gordon found Beckham 25-yards-out from goal. What happened next was vintage Beckham, as he curled a right-footed shot inside the far post for the goal.
Beckham added another goal minutes later in the 2-2 draw, which turned out to be the 600th goal in Galaxy history.
KEVIN HARMSE vs. CHIVAS USA (4/28/07)
The SuperClasico (R.I.P) produced many memorable goals, but one of the best was Kevin Harmse’s lovely strike against the Rojiblancos.
Harmse’s goal was a mix of teamwork and individual brilliance as Landon Donovan played the rookie through the the Chivas defense. With no one to beat but the ‘keeper, Harmse charged toward the goal and slotted the ball past future U.S. international Brad Guzan at the near post.
The goal was the lone goal that Harmse scored during his five-year career in Major League Soccer.
SANTINO QUARANTA vs. HOUSTON DYNAMO (8/9/06)
Santino Quaranta’s served up a stunning goal during the Galaxy’s victory over the Houston Dynamo back in August of 2006.
In front of a packed house at Houston’s Reliant Stadium, Quaranta flashed some incredible skill by sending a left-footed volley looping over Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad into the top corner of the net. The goal helped Los Angeles earn a 1-0 victory over the Dynamo.
Quaranta went on to score three goals during a season-and-a-half with Los Angeles.
JOVAN KIROVSKI vs. CHICAGO FIRE (6/27/04)
Jovan Kirovski was considered one of the most skilled players of his generation and the San Diegan showcased that ability with a long-range finish against the Fire in 2004.
In closing minutes of the Galaxy’s match with the Fire at Chicago’s Soldier Field, Los Angeles punted the ball forward in search of a scoring only opportunity only to see Fire goalkeeper Henry Ring leave his line and clear the cross. The ball fell to Kirovski, who from inside the center circle fired a cascading shot that sailed over Ring and into the Fire net.
Kirovski scored 30 goals and 13 assists in 174 career regular season appearances in Major League Soccer.
CHRIS ALBRIGHT vs. KANSAS CITY WIZARDS (9/28/2002)
What is the best Galaxy goal that you’ve seen? For my money, it’s Chris Albright’s half-field bomb against the Kansas City Wizards in the 2002 MLS Cup Playoffs.
In game two of the Western Conference Semifinal, Preki put the Wizards up 3-0 on the Galaxy in the 70th minute of their match at Arrowhead Stadium. On the ensuing kick-off with Wizards goalkeeper Tony Meola still celebrating, Albright launched a shot from the center circle that rocketed past the ‘keeper’s head and into the net. Los Angeles lost the game 4-1, but ended up winning the series and eventually winning their first MLS Cup title later that year.
Thanks to LAGalaxy.com research assistant Alan Gordon for helping to dig up this fantastic goal.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog atLAGalaxy.com/Insiderand contact him atLAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
