Ibrahimovic scores his 500th career goal in LA Galaxy's loss to Toronto FC
Cole Burston / AP
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (9) controls the ball against Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (4) during the first half of an MLS soccer game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Toronto.
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (9) controls the ball against Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (4) during the first half of an MLS soccer game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 in Toronto. (Cole Burston / AP)
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic made history on Saturday, scoring his 500th career goal in stunning fashion but it wasn't enough to lift the Los Angeles Galaxy to a win over Toronto FC.
The 36-year-old Ibrahimovic as always had a flair for the dramatic and he did just that in becoming the third active footballer to reach the milestone, joining Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The six-foot-five (1.95 metre) Ibrahimovic released a perfectly-timed roundhouse kick in the 43th minute that fooled goalkeeper Alex Bono for his 17th goal of the season.
The goal cut the deficit to 3-1 and sparked a three-goal Galaxy rally but the defending MLS champions would go on to win 5-3 in front of a crowd of 30,700 at BMO Field in Toronto.
"I am happy for Toronto because they will be remembered as my 500th victim," said Ibrahimovic.
Ibrahimovic came into Saturday's game tied for second in MLS scoring.
"I was close to the goal. It reminds me of a goal I did in Ajax," he said. "It came from a cross and I turned around and I hit it. I was just trying to hit the goal and it went in."
Ibrahimovic scored 62 of his goals for Sweden with the rest coming while playing for Malmo FF, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and now the Galaxy.
Jonathan Osorio's 75th-minute go-ahead goal halted a three-goal Galaxy comeback and helped give Toronto some much needed points in their playoff push.
Jay Chapman added an insurance goal in stoppage time with a low shot to the corner.
"It is an incredible achievement," said Galaxy coach Dominic Kinnear of Ibrahimovic's goal. "The guy is a great goal scorer and it is a memorable one for him for many reasons."
Asked if it was memorable one for the coach, Kinnear said, "In about 10 years from now."
If you are a team that wear red, chances are this weekend was a lot about you.
The best of this weekend's soccer action kicks off with Friday's marquee match at the Emirates, followed by a key move by the Chicago Fire, an ode to Serie A's suprise goals king and the bizarre situation in Monaco.
Belgian forward Eden Hazard was introduced by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez on Thursday, June 13 as the club's newest player in front of nearly 50,000 supporters gathered at Santiago Bernabeu stadium to welcome the former Chelsea star. The transfer fee has not been revealed but reports indicate the move to cost $163.5 million including escalators, a number that would represent the most expensive acquisition in Real Madrid history.
(José Luis Sánchez Pando)
United States Men's National Team forward Paul Arriola speaks about the team's upcoming Gold Cup debut against Guyana, coach Gregg Berhalter's message to the squad and more.
FC Dallas defender Reggie Cannon speaks about being included in the United States Men's National Team squad that will participate in the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup.
United States Men's National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter speaks about the injury to defender/midfielder Tyler Adams, the inclusion of Reggie Cannon in his place, the loss to Venezuela and more.
Atlanta United head coach Frank De Boer previews his team's upcoming match against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, June 1 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Chicago Fire midfielder Aleksandar Katai analyzes the team's upcoming visit to DC United on Wednesday, May 29 at Audi Field in Washington, DC.
Angel Martinez / Getty Images
New Real Madrid signing Eden Hazard is unveiled by Florentino Perez, President of Real Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on June 13, 2019 in Madrid, Spain.
New Real Madrid signing Eden Hazard is unveiled by Florentino Perez, President of Real Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on June 13, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Angel Martinez / Getty Images)
GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP/Getty Images
Belgian footballer Eden Hazard smiles during his official presentation as new player of Real Madrid CF at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on June 13, 2019.
Belgian footballer Eden Hazard smiles during his official presentation as new player of Real Madrid CF at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on June 13, 2019. (GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP/Getty Images)