Zardes becomes first Homegrown Player to score in MLS Cup
LA Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes picked a good time to snap out of his scoring slump, making a little history in the process.
Zardes snapped a 0-0 draw in Sunday's MLS Cup final between the Galaxy and New England Revolution in the 53rd minute, becoming the first Homegrown Player to score in an MLS final.
Zardes received a cross from Stefan Ishizaki by the left post, and took a touch while corralling the pass to get by Andrew Farrell. He bodied off the Revolution defender – Zardes signed as a Homegrown Player the same year Farrell was the No. 1 overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft – and finished with his left foot to the far post for his first goal since September 28, snapping an eight-game goal drought. He had scored 16 goals during the regular season.
By contrast to Zardes' goal Sunday, the Galaxy's goals in their past two MLS Cup triumphs came from Landon Donovan (twice), Omar Gonzalez and Robbie Keane, who are currently all Designated Players.
Keane scored another Sunday, this one coming in the 111th minute, to seal LA's third title in four years with a 2-1 triumph.
Watch Zardes' goal below:
