Galaxy beat D.C. United for 1st consecutive wins of season

CARSON — The Galaxy are still facing a long climb toward playoff contention, but at least to start the month of July, they’re riding an unbeaten streak.

Thanks to a first-half goal from Marco Reus and an early second-half tally by Diego Fagundez, the Galaxy (3-13-6) topped D.C. United 2-1 Saturday in front of 21,113 at Dignity Health Sports Park for a second consecutive win, extending their current unbeaten streak to a modest three games.

This is the first time this season that the Galaxy have won consecutive games.

The Galaxy won their second game of the season last week, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps (3-0).

Reus opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. It was the fifth goal of the season and his 12th goal contribution (either goal or assist) in the last 12 games. The goal came after a scramble, starting with an initial shot by Edwin Cerrillo getting blocked, followed by Julian Aude’s rebound attempt getting blocked in the defensive traffic. The ball eventually came out toward Reus for the far-post finish and the 1-0 lead.

Last week, Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said he wasn’t pleased with the start to the second half. Saturday, some of that displeasure was erased with Diego Fagundez’s goal in the 53rd minute for a 2-0 lead.

The night wasn’t all that easy, thought. D.C. United’s Brandon Servania hit the crossbar in the 62nd minute and 15 minutes later, he cut the Galaxy’s lead in half, 2-1.

From there, D.C. United, who was playing its first game since coach Troy Lesesne was fired, put the Galaxy in some difficult situations to see the game out.

After losing to Nashville SC in the U.S. Open Cup, Lesene was let go after less than two seasons. The club’s academy director, Kevin Flanagan, has taken over as interim coach.

The Galaxy’s inability to finish their key chances in the second half kept the door open for D.C. United. Gabriel Pec had a 1-v-1 chance against D.C. United goalkeeper Luis Barraza that was turned away.

The Galaxy also had to survive a nine-minute stoppage time period, which was due to an injury when Galaxy defender Miki Yamane collided with David Schnegg in the 64th minute.

This was the Galaxy’s first meeting with D.C. United since 2023 and the first in Carson since 2018.

The Galaxy’s homestand continues Wednesday with a visit from Austin FC and then Saturday, the club heads to BMO Stadium for a meeting with LAFC.