Dos Santos helps beat Sounders in debut
Seattle, without stars, also loses Barrett after he scores
CARSON, Calif. – Giovani dos Santos had a goal and an assist in an impressive MLS debut, leading the L.A. Galaxy to a 3-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders on Sunday.
Dos Santos set up captain Robbie Keane’s tiebreaking goal in the 47th minute before the Mexican playmaker scored his first goal in the 64th minute, taking a beautiful pass from Keane and burying his shot past Stefan Frei.
Dos Santos started up front alongside Keane and took corner kicks as the Galaxy (11-7-7) officially unveiled the newest acquisition in their star-studded lineup. Dos Santos even lived up to the standard set by Steven Gerrard, who also had a goal and an assist in his winning MLS debut last month.
The sellout crowd gave a standing ovation when dos Santos left in the 69th minute.
With David Beckham watching from a luxury suite, Gyasi Zardes also scored as the Galaxy unleashed the full might of their reloaded roster for the first time. The defending MLS champions have scored 22 goals in their last five MLS home games, staying in the Western Conference race despite a slow start to the season and continued struggles on the road.
Chad Barrett scored in the opening minute for the Sounders (10-12-2), who competed without any designated players after leaving Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins at home from the rivalry game. Dempsey strained his hamstring in training Friday, and Martins still isn’t quite ready to return from a groin injury.
Barrett also left the game with an injured right hamstring immediately after his stunning opening-minute goal. Zardes equalized in the 13th minute with his 25th career MLS goal.
But the sellout crowd was most eager to see Dos Santos, who wears the No. 10 Galaxy shirt most recently occupied by the retired Landon Donovan.
Dos Santos also is likely to play in the midfield while coach Bruce Arena figures out the best distribution of his wealth of talent.
The 26-year-old Dos Santos began training with the Galaxy a week ago after arriving from Mexico’s Gold Cup title run. The two-time World Cup performer spent the past two seasons with Villareal in La Liga after a career that began in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.