The LA Galaxy turned a two-goal halftime deficit into a 3–2 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Sept. 26, scoring three times after the break to complete a spirited comeback at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Colorado made an immediate impact. Donovan Phillip opened the scoring in the fourth minute, finishing a breakaway after Josh Atencio sent him forward. The Rapids continued to threaten and added a second goal in the 39th minute. Rob Holding’s ball over the Galaxy back line found Paxten Aaronson, who took his chance to give Colorado a 2–0 lead heading into halftime.
LA needed a response, and the Galaxy began the second half with more pressure. Their comeback got started in the 54th minute from a set piece. Pablo Ruiz sent a free kick into the penalty area, where Haak flicked the ball on. With João Klauss also pressing in the box, the ball deflected off Colorado defender Reggie Cannon and into the net.
The own goal brought the Galaxy within one and helped shift the momentum. LA kept pushing, and Klauss drew the teams level in the 66th minute. He intercepted a pass from Colorado goalkeeper Nico Hansen and finished from close range, making it two consecutive matches in which Klauss had scored an equalizer during a Galaxy comeback.
The decisive moment came eight minutes later. Robert Taylor delivered a corner into the box, and Haak rose above the defense to head home his first Galaxy goal and put LA in front, 3–2.
Colorado pressed for a late equalizer, earning several corner kicks in stoppage time. The Galaxy defended the pressure and held on for the final whistle. LA finished with 16 shots to Colorado’s eight, despite having less of the possession.
After trailing by two at halftime, the Galaxy left Carson with three unanswered second-half goals and a valuable win in the Western Conference playoff race. Coach Greg Vanney credited the team’s second-half press and commitment for disrupting Colorado and helping the Galaxy find their way back into the match.
