Robbie Keane was on target in the LA Galaxy’s 5-0 drubbing of Real Salt Lake as the Californian side advanced to the Western Conference Championship in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Republic of Ireland captain scored the Galaxy’s second goal of the game in the 20th minute, while former USA international Landon Donovan weighed in with a hat-trick. Brazilian Marcelo Sarvas was also on the mark at the StubHub Center.
Aside from getting on the scoresheet, Keane played an integral role in three of the Galaxy’s other goals, including a defence-splitting pass which sent Donovan clear for his third goal of the game and a beautifully-weighted dink which allowed the former Everton loanee to complete his hat-trick.
Bruce Arena’s charges will face either the Seattle Sounders or FC Dallas next up.
Keane’s stellar performance for the Galaxy completed a perfect weekend for Ireland’s leading strikers, with Stoke’s Jonathan Walters scoring in his side’s 2-1 win over Tottenham and Shane Long opening his Premier League account for Southampton with two goals off the bench in the high-flying Saints’ 2-0 win against Leicester.
The New England Revolution completed a 7-3 aggregate victory over the Columbus Crew with a 3-1 triumph in their Eastern Conference semi-final clash.
Lee Nguyen all but sealed their progression after giving the Revolution a 43rd minute lead which was extended by Jose Goncalves after 55 minutes.
Ethan Finlay saw red for the visitors in the 62nd minute, but Tony Tchani got one back for Columbus seven minutes later.
Teal Bunbury put New England 3-1 up before Columbus were reduced to nine men when Justin Meram also saw red.
The Revolution have reached their first conference final since 2007 and will face the New York Red Bulls.
