Saturday was all about Zlatan Ibrahimovic in MLS as the LA Galaxy star enjoyed a Hollywood-style debut with two goals , while New York City stayed unbeaten.
A 40-yard stunner and a 91st-minute winner were on the script as debutant Ibrahimovic came off the bench to lift the rallying Galaxy past city rivals Los Angeles FC 4-3.
The Galaxy were staring at a comprehensive defeat against high-flying LAFC, who led 3-0 at Stubhub Center thanks to Mexico international Carlos Vela, with Ibrahimovic watching from the bench.
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Needing a response, former Manchester United forward Ibrahimovic — who only arrived from England on Thursday — was introduced in the 71st minute and equalized six minutes later after Sebastian Lletget and Chris Pontius began the fightback.
Ibrahimovic produced a thunderous volley from distance, catching LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller off his line to spark wild celebrations.
The 36-year-old, however, was not done there as his header capped an unforgettable introduction to the league in the first minute of stoppage time.
New York City was without captain David Villa but still overcame San Jose Earthquakes 2-1.
Villa was a late withdrawal through injury, however, NYC preserved their undefeated record thanks to Anton Tinnerholm and Maxi Moralez.
We've seen this one somewhere before from @AntonTinnerholm ... #ForTheCity pic.twitter.com/PLOszvcYhd
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) April 1, 2018
NYC are three points clear atop the Eastern Conference, ahead of the Columbus Crew, who lost 2-1 at home to the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Orlando City won its first match of the season after trumping the New York Red Bulls 4-3 – Josue Colman's 86th-minute goal ending the club's three-game winless run.
Elsewhere, 10-man Atlanta United overcame Minnesota United 1-0, Western Conference high flyer Sporting Kansas City edged D.C. United 1-0, Dominique Badji's hat-trick saw the Colorado Rapids to a 3-0 win against the Philadelphia Union, the New England Revolution were 2-0 winners over the Houston Dynamo, the Chicago Fire drew 2-2 with the Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders went down 1-0 to the Montreal Impact.