CARSON, Calif. – The magnitude of the LA Galaxy's 5-1 victory Sunday afternoon over New York City FC took nothing away from the playoff-like atmosphere at StubHub Center, nor from the occasion, with so many huge names on an MLS field together.
It might have been the most star-studded affair in league history, even with Frank Lampard unable to play for NYCFC, and the throbbing if ultimately one-sided match featuring LA's Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and Giovani Dos Santos and NYCFC's David Villa and Andrea Pirlo was something of a treat.
MLS couldn't have asked for a better advertisement, especially with television viewers tuning in throughout North America and across the globe.
“I think this is going to eventually become the norm in this league, not only here, but in all the venues in this league,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. “If anything today, I think it tells about the growth of this league and the kind of support we're getting in the markets -- it's phenomenal. And today was maybe a bit of recognition for the growth of the league.
“Certainly, we've got a long way to go, but we're certainly pleased to have these type of games today and, obviously, more in the future.”
All five DPs looked good: Keane scored two goals and assisted two more, Dos Santos was at the center of LA's attack with a goal and an assist, Gerrard capped a fine showing in central midfield with an assist, Villa scored NYCFC's goal from the spot, and Pirlo set the tone for the game with his expert passing before LA shut down the lanes about midway through the first half.
Gerrard noted that sharing the field with such extraordinary players is “normal for me” after 17 seasons at Liverpool FC.
“I'm quite used to being surrounded by talented players,” he said. “I think the good thing for me today, which makes me smile, is that the supporters are getting the chance to see quality players coming in and embracing the league, and there were world-class talents on show today, and it was good to be part of it.”
Expect more of this going forward.
“It says that this league is serious,” said Keane, who spent most of his career in the English Premier League and had a short stint in Italy's Serie A. “This league is the league that people want to be in -- there's no question about that. I get phone calls all the time from international players that want to come here and want to play, play in this league.
“Years ago, there were certain leagues where people wanted to go and play, and it was exciting for them. This is the league now.”
