JAVIER HERNANDEZ SENT a 97th-minute Panenka penalty attempt straight into the arms of Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper John Pulskamp as LA Galaxy missed the opportunity to take a massive three points in their bid secure a place in the MLS playoffs.
The former Manchester United striker had already netted twice for the home side as they recovered from 2-1 down at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Chicharito then had a golden opportunity to seal his hat-trick – and all three points – with a late penalty, but Pulskamp easily collected Hernandez’s Panenka effort.
John Pulskamp read the mind of Chicharito. 🤯
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 5, 2022
Denied the hat trick and stoppage-time winner from the penalty spot. pic.twitter.com/Ov6zbnOiyh
The 34-year old had already converted from the penalty spot in the 88th minute to level the game, having also opened the scoring in the fourth minute.
Second-half goals from Johnathon Russell and Felipe Hernandez then put Kansas 2-1 up, with Chicharito’s late penalty miss ensuring the points were shared.
“It’s a mental game and I dared to take the shot, and the responsibility of not getting the two [extra] points falls on me,” Chicharito said.
“I accept it, 100%.”
“Unfortunately, I caused my team to drop two points. But I’m going to keep on working. There’s no other way and I have to accept my responsibility.”
“He [Pulksamp] guessed right and that’s it.”
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