It was a goal that, at least momentarily, kept the LA Galaxy in the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs race, and came as a massive relief for Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez.
The Mexican legend’s 78th-minute strike didn't hold up as the winner with Raul Ruidiaz’s stoppage-time equalizer eliminating the Galaxy from playoff contention in a 1-1 draw Wednesday night.
But Chicharito’s second MLS goal — and first since July — was a weight off his shoulders in what has turned out to be a “pretty bad season.”
The 32-year-old arrived from Sevilla with great fanfare, perhaps unfairly as the like-for-like replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. While the Swedish icon famously scored on his debut, Chicharito had to wait until the MLS is Back Tournament fo score his first MLS goal.
And then he dealt with a pair of injuries that sidelined him for most of next four months.
Those injuries meant Chicharito wasn’t able to give his best to his new team and for that he’s been apologetic, both on his Instagram and in his post-match press conference.
Chicharito scores against Seattle Sounders
“I didn’t give them my best, but I wanted to show at least in these last games that that’s what I can give, and I want that,” he said. “I want to give that, because you deserve better.”
While he said it’s admittedly late, a healthy Chicharito feels he’s “finally arrived.” And he’s hoping to give the Galaxy and their fans a glimpse of what to expect in 2021 in the club’s final matches this season.
“I had two injuries in a period of four months, and I haven’t had those kinds of injuries in my whole career. I’m not that player that’s known to have injuries,” Chicharito said after the match. “And it was probably too late for this season, yes, and I’m sorry and I take responsibility on my side, and taking that responsibility I know that I want to give everything next season and in these two games as you can see.”
LA Galaxy interim coach Dom Kinnear is hoping Wednesday’s goal is a sign of things to come — for the Decision Day presented by AT&T match against the Vancouver Whitecaps (6:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info) and beyond.
“I think the one thing we’re all disappointed in was the way the season went for him,” Kinnear said. "I think, hopefully, with this goal tonight and hopefully a couple more chances in goals on Sunday if it were to happen, it leads into something great for 2021.”
