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The LA Galaxy comes back 4-3 against Minnesota United and dreams of the playoffs

The Galacticos team woke up to beat Minnesota United with a stellar performance by Billy Sharp and the debut goal scorer by Diego Fagundez.

ByManuel Meza|
Los Angeles Galaxy v Los Angeles Football Club
Los Angeles Galaxy v Los Angeles Football Club | Shaun Clark/GettyImages

In the world of MLS, one team is on a relentless quest for glory: the LA Galaxy. After their defeat to LAFC in the last "El Trafico," they had no choice but to secure a victory in week 33 of the 2023 season. And boy, did they deliver! This Wednesday, they triumphed over Minnesota United, thanks to a stellar performance by none other than Billy Sharp and the debut goal from Diego Fagundez.

Under the astute leadership of Greg Vanney, the Galaxy's playoff dreams are again alive. Their recent victory at the Dignity Health Sports Park brought them within a single point of Austin FC (34 pts.), just two points adrift of Sporting KC (35 pts.), and within striking distance of Minnesota (35 pts.) by four points and FC Dallas (38 pts.) by five. The MLS postseason is now tantalizingly close, and the Galaxy are ready to fight tooth and nail for their spot.

The match got off to a flying start for the Galaxy as Englishman Billy Sharp found the net in the 16th minute, sending the crowd into a frenzy. However, their jubilation was short-lived, as Finnish sensation Teemu Pukki equalized for Minnesota in the 19th minute. Both of these sharpshooters have dazzled in the Premier League and are now lighting up North American soccer.

As halftime approached, South African sensation Bongokuhle Hlongwane stole the spotlight, netting a quick brace at 41' and 45+5'. The first goal came after a deflected shot, causing chaos in the Galaxy's box; the second was a masterclass assist by Pukki, leaving Hlongwane with a simple tap-in.

But the hero of the night was undoubtedly Billy Sharp, completing his first-ever 'hat-trick' in the Galaxy's iconic colors. Sharp struck again in the 63rd and 71st minutes, delivering a timely comeback for the Galacticos. The 2-3 goal was a result of a blistering shot by Maya Yoshida, who sent the ball kissing the net. The 3-3 equalizer came after a rebound from Raheem Edwards, as he unleashed a thunderous shot that sent the fans into a frenzy.

And just when you thought the drama was over, enter Diego Fagundez (82'). Riqui Puig orchestrated a brilliant play, setting up Tyler Boyd on the right flank. Boyd seized the moment, delivering a low cross that initially seemed destined for Marky Delgado but was met by an unexpected reinforcement from Austin—Diego Fagundez himself, who soared in with a sensational somersaulting goal!

The LA Galaxy, with their fighting spirit and star-studded lineup, are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of glory. Stay tuned for more thrilling action from the Galaxy as they continue their quest for the MLS postseason.