Ibrahimovic’s Galaxy suffer 5-3 defeat to Los Angeles FC (LAFC)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said “nobody will remember what MLS is” if he leaves the league following LA Galaxy’s MLS Cup Play-Off exit to rivals Los Angeles FC.
The former Manchester United forward also appeared to have a confrontation with a fan after his side were knocked out 5-3 by their city rivals in what could be the Swede’s final MLS game.
While walking off the pitch, Ibrahimovic gestured towards a spectator who appeared to be taunting him.
The 38-year-old’s contract expires in December and he has been linked with a return to Europe – with Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis expressing his interest this week.
“I have another two months [on my contract],” he said to reporters.
“We’ll see what happens. … [If I stay], then MLS is good, because the whole world will watch it. If I don’t stay, nobody will remember what MLS is.”
LAFC 5-3 LA Galaxy
Former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela scored twice in the first half of LAFC’s victory to take his tally for the season to 36 goals.
Galaxy fought back through Ibrahimovic, but Adama Diomande’s late double secured LAFC’s win.
It is the first time Galaxy have lost to LAFC in the MLS – a rivalry dubbed ‘El Trafico’ because of California’s traffic congestion.
Diego Rossi and substitute Diomande reasserted LA FC’s lead after Ibrahimovic had made it 2-2.
Defender Rolf Feltscher gave Galaxy late hope, but Diomande chipped in his second in the 80th-minute to set up a Western Conference final with Seattle Sounders.
Analysis: Big game, big stars
NBC’s Andy Edwards:
Vela showed up early and often, while Ibrahimovic arrived fashionably late and with a bit of assistance up the stairs to the main level of the party. Vela was sensational and highly influential once everyone in Black and Gold found their footing after a rocky opening 10 minutes.
There was also this stunning through ball from Ibrahimovic to set up Cristian Pavon for the Galaxy’s first goal. That was just about it from the big Swede, though, as he was forced deeper and deeper into midfield to get on the ball.
Vela and Rossi were involved in absolutely everything, from winning the ball back on the press, to springing the counter-attacks, to setting up goals and finishing them off.
At the end of the day, the youth and mobility of LAFC’s stars won out against the mega-stardom of the Galaxy’s main man.