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Robbie Keane didn’t play his best game of his career or the 2014 MLS Playoffs. Yet, he showed up when it mattered and showed why he won MLS MVP this season. His goal in extra-time lead the LA Galaxy to a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution and to the franchise’s historic fifth MLS Cup.
Throughout the game, Keane’s play was down right sloppy. He had trouble finding his teammates and played carelessly for parts of the game. In the attacking third he tried to score selfishly when Landon Donovan was open.
Yet, Keane’s passing was on point for most of the game and dazzled past the Revolution’s defenders. On that play he had a chance on goal but failed to capitalize.
When it mattered most and the game looking like it was heading to penalties, Keane delivered. He showed why he’s one of the league’s best player and the 2014 MLS MVP. On the goal, Keane was clearly on-side due to defensive miscommunication. After not being accurate on goal for most of the game, Keane fired the ball accurately into the goal for the game-winning goal. According to Paul Carr, “Robbie Keane is the oldest MLS Cup goalscorer ever (34 years and 152 days), passing Frankie Hejduk (34-110)”.
After his goal, LA Galaxy’s twitter account went crazy in celebration.
CARTWHEELS! CARTWHEELS! CARTWHEELS! CARTWHEELS! CARTWHEELS! CARTWHEELS! CARTWHEELS! CARTWHEELS! CARTWHEELS! CARTWHEELS! #MLSCUP
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) December 7, 2014
MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! MVP! #MLSMVP pic.twitter.com/a18X7AZoCo
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) December 7, 2014
With the whistle blown indicating the game ending, the Los Angeles Galaxy won their third title in four years. They now have five in franchise history; the first MLS club to do so. Keane was named MLS Cup MVP and is the 4th player to win MLS regular season MVP & MLS Cup MVP in same year (Schelotto, Ruiz, Meola), according to Paul Carr of ESPN.
Keane capped off a great day by celebrating with his family on the season.
On the field: Robbie Keane, who had the game winner, celebrates with his family #MLSCup pic.twitter.com/vHFb1UHf1U
— Sean Dennison (@SeanDennisonMLS) December 7, 2014
The La Galaxy won the 2014 MLS Cup behind a roller coaster performance from Keane. However, Keane came up in the clutch and saved the Galaxy from heading to penalties and making MLS history.