Reus assists with a backheel, Klauss scores three times: LA Galaxy misses second win

Former Bundesliga pros Marco Reus and Klauss (from left) played a major role in the 3-3 draw in St. Louis. imago images (2)

With a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake on the final day of the season, LA Galaxy secured their first win of the season – at the 16th attempt. Away in St. Louis, the reigning MLS champions had set their sights on a second straight win. Not an unrealistic plan, considering the team from the US state of Missouri entered the match as direct neighbors to the bottom-placed Los Angeles, seven points ahead.

A glance at the two starting lineups revealed some familiar names from the Bundesliga, including St. Louis goalkeeper Bürki and Galaxy playmaker Reus. The two players had once played 142 competitive matches together for Borussia Dortmund, and now they were facing off as opponents in the MLS for the third time.

But the focus should initially shift to another player with Bundesliga experience: former Hoffenheim pro Klauss. In a one-two with Hartel – who was still under contract with St. Pauli until last summer – the striker netted from close range to give the home side the lead (35').

But the visitors also had another decisive opportunity in front of the opposing goal before the break – and this time Reus was directly involved: From a half-right position, the 36-year-old crossed just before the byline to Gabriel Pec, who found himself unmarked at the penalty spot and shot. The Brazilian didn't miss the opportunity and equalized at 1-1 at halftime (41').

Suffice it to say: Klauss and Reus would also play a decisive role in the second half. The former needed less than 90 seconds after the restart before being sent on by Celio Pompeu and then firing the ball powerfully into the near post.

And Reus? He showcased his technical prowess just four minutes later. With a backheel, the German steered the ball through the legs of former Schalke player Baumgartl into the path of Matheus Nascimento, who used the perfect assist to equalize again. The Brazilian confidently slotted home with his left foot (51') – paving the way for the second win of the season.

The clock was ticking, the final whistle was approaching, but the visitors from Los Angeles weren't going to settle for a point-sharing match. In the 87th minute, Gabriel Pec capitalized on Reid's slip, ran alone toward Bürki, rounded the Swiss, and slotted the ball into the empty net for what appeared to be the winning goal.

However, the eventful duel at Citypark still had one final point in store – in favor of the hosts. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, a long pass landed at Klauss's feet, who, after Baumgartl's header on, fired the ball into the far corner. A dream goal and the powerful attacker's fifth of the season.

stadium	CITY PARK
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