Kai Koreniuk's stoppage-time goal lifts LA Galaxy over Vancouver Whitecaps

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:13 am

Kai Koreniuk scored from 6 yards out in the first minute of second-half stoppage time and the LA Galaxy ended a six-game losing streak with a 1-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps at Carson, Calif.

The 22-year-old Koreniuk delivered his first career MLS goal in his second game off a centering pass through the penalty area from Cristian Pavon. Koreniuk had just one minute of previous MLS experience in an Aug. 29 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes.

The Galaxy also ended a seven-game winless streak, earning points for the first time since a scoreless tie on Sept. 13 against the Earthquakes. Their last victory came Sept. 6 against their crosstown rival, LAFC.

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The Whitecaps saw their two-game winning streak come to an end. They earned consecutive victories against Real Salt Lake and Los Angeles FC at their adopted home in Portland, with an impressive 2-1 victory over LAFC on Wednesday.

The Galaxy rebounded from a disappointing 4-0 defeat at home against the Earthquakes on Wednesday.

Los Angeles goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann made four saves in his first career MLS shutout. It was his just his second MLS start, and they came in consecutive games, after he arrived in August on loan from FC St. Gallen of the Swiss Super League.

Whitecaps goaltender Evan Bush made four saves in the defeat but was unable to stop Koreniuk's point-blank shot with time about to expire.

Kai Koreniuk
Kai Koreniuk
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Without any offensive flow of late, Galaxy head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto elected to start the game with forward Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez on the bench.

Chicharito had just one goal in his first nine MLS games and none since July 13. He entered as a substitute in the 50th minute when forward Yony Gonzalez left with an apparent leg injury.

Before the game, the Whitecaps announced that defender Ranko Veselinovic signed a contract through 2023. The center back had been on loan from FK Vojvodina from the Serbian SuperLiga.