ST PAUL, Minn. — L.A. Galaxy scored a pair of second-half goals to defeat United 2-1 and end their season on Sunday night at Allianz Field.
In front of a frenzied crowd that filled up Allianz Field, the new-in-2019 stadium for the third-year MLS franchise, Minnesota had the fans roaring and groaning throughout the first half while largely owning the attack. Robin Lod had three prime chances, including a one-timer from the middle he sent sailing over the net.
All those missed scoring opportunities came back to haunt the Loons, when Ibrahimovic's close-range shot was blocked by Michael Boxall, and Lletget knocked in the rebound in the 71st minute.
Then in the 75th minute, dos Santos let one fly for the lower right corner that was out of a diving goalkeeper Vito Mannone's reach. The 6-foot-5 Ibrahimovic leaped to grab the crossbar and briefly swung back and forth to celebrate what turned out to be the winning goal.
The fourth-seeded Loons were the only home team to lose in the first round. The five-time MLS champion Galaxy, returning to the playoffs after a two-year absence, were a tough draw despite their up-and-down regular season.
Trailing 2-nothing late in the second half United midfielder Jan Gregus scored to cut the lead in half but it wasn’t enough.
It was just the second loss of the season for the United in front of their home crowd.
"We were the better team for large periods of the game," Minnesota coach Adrian Heath said. "We had the best chances all evening, and I can't remember Vito having to do anything until, maybe, the goal."
