LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimović was voted the Alcatel Major League Soccer Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) for the fifth week of the 2018 MLS season.
In his MLS debut, Ibrahimović scored two goals to help the Galaxy complete a come-from-behind 4-3 victory in the club’s first match against Los Angeles Football Club on Saturday at StubHub Center. The Galaxy became only the second team in MLS regular season history to win a match after trailing by three goals, while Ibrahimović became the third player in league history to score two goals in his debut off the bench. In only 19 minutes played this season, Ibrahimović ranks tied for 14th in the league with two goals scored, while the Galaxy sit third in the Western Conference (seven points, 2-1-1 record). On Saturday, he recorded two shots, two shots on goal and two goals, including one game-winning goal.
The two-time FIFA World Cup participant entered the match in the 71st minute with the Galaxy trailing 3-1, before a Chris Pontius goal closed the gap in the 73rd minute. Ibrahimović then unleashed an unbelievable nearly 40-yard curling strike over LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller to even the match at 3-3 in the 77th minute.
Ibrahimović completed his brace in stoppage time to give the Galaxy a 4-3 lead. Defender Ashley Cole sent a cross into the box, with Ibrahimović beating the goalkeeper and two defenders to the ball with a header that found its way into the back of the net to complete an unbelievable comeback and cap a remarkable debut.
The LA Galaxy return to action on Sunday, April 8 to host Sporting Kansas City at StubHub Center (6:00 p.m. PT, FS1).
The Alcatel MLS Player of the Week is chosen each week of the regular season by members of the North American Soccer Reporters. The organization includes print, television, radio and online journalists who cover domestic men's soccer in the United States and Canada. Learn more about the NASR and apply to join at https://www.facebook.com/soccerreporters/.
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