MLS
LA Galaxy coach Greg Vanney praises the performance of Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández against Seattle Sounders
The Los Angeles Galaxy, with Chicharito in the XI, defeated the Seattle Sounders 3-1 to advance to the next round of the US Open Cup.
Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández did not have a full week of training with the Los Angeles Galaxy as, according to head coach Greg Vanney, he had to leave the squad due to other commitments and as a result did not finish the US Open Cup game against Seattle Sounders. The Mexican striker had a quiet night and was taken off in the 64th minute by Dejan Joveljic in a 3-1 victory.
Vanney compliments Chicharito’s work ethic
“Chicha was busy for a few days. He had to travel away and then returned. I wanted him to play 45 or 60 minutes to see how he was doing and get involved in the game to get off to a good start and see what happened,” Vanney said. “The first half looked like he was going to be dangerous, but [Seattle Sounders] fouled him.”
“In the second half and he went out to compete for the ball. I think the second half was a battle and it helped us to make things flow better. Chicharito put himself in a good position to score. I think he did his duty as a worker to help us and retain more of the ball so that the attack could flow better”, he concluded.
Vanney’s future is in doubt while Hernández struggles for form
Javier Hernández has had a difficult season in his fourth year with the Los Angeles Galaxy, mainly due to injuries. The Mexican striker missed the first five games of the season with physical issues and is gradually recovering his level to help the team get out of the difficult situation in which they finds themselves. Chicharito has scored a goal and has featured in six games across all competitions this season.
Coach Vanney has seen his future be put under the microscope over the past few days, with both him and President Chris Klein under pressure to perform after a poor run of results at the start of the season has seen the Galaxy drop towards the foot of the table. The team began the 2023 season without the support of its cheerleaders and the fans have protested about the on and off-field decisions, something which Chicharito said was the correct thing to do.