ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC SCORED his first MLS hat-trick as LA Galaxy came from behind on three occasions to beat Orlando City 4-3 in a thrilling clash on Sunday night.
The Swedish star was the hero at Stubhub Center, scoring three second-half goals as the rallying Galaxy extended their unbeaten streak in the league to nine matches.
The Galaxy found themselves trailing 2-1 at the break after Ibrahimovic teed up Giovani dos Santos for the equaliser to cancel out Orlando’s 18th-minute opener, only for the visitors to restore their lead on the stroke of half time thanks to Mickael Ciani’s own goal.
LA restored parity again two minutes into the second half when Ibrahimovic rose highest to head home a Dos Santos cross.
The topsy-turvy contest continued after Dominic Dwyer made it 3-2 in favour of Orlando in the 54th minute, however, Ibrahimovic took matters into his hands from that moment.
The 36-year-old found the back of the net with a diving header – set up by Oma Kamara – with 23 minutes remaining before he chested the ball and fired a thunderous half-volley past Earl Edwards four minutes later.
It took Ibrahimovic’s tally to 15 goals in 17 appearances since arriving from Manchester United as the Galaxy – who staged a stunning comeback against Los Angeles FC to earn a draw on Thursday – moved within a point of LAFC and seven points of Western Conference leaders Dallas.
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