Joveljic’s late goal lifts Galaxy over Nashville

CARSON » All of the concerns that Galaxy coach Greg Vanney had about trying to break down the Nashville SC defense played out Saturday.

Nashville SC, one of the stingiest teams in Major League Soccer, lived up to that reputation, frustrating the Galaxy.

That is, minute.

With the Galaxy dominating possession throughout the second half, the breakthrough came as Dejan Joveljic beat Joe Willis with a shot from the left wing to give the Galaxy a 1-0 lead and eventual win in front of 26,674 at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Sega Coulilbaly kept the play alive, getting the ball to Derrick Williams. Williams was surrounded by two Nashville SC defenders but managed to send it out to Joveljic, who did the rest.

This was the first time the Galaxy (5-2-1, 16 points) until the 87th

GALAXY 1, NASHVILLE 0

THE SCORE

didn’t rule it a penalty.

It could be said that the Galaxy were the only team in the attacking half of the field in the second half. For long stretches, the Galaxy had Nashville SC pinned in its own half.

In the final stats, the Galaxy had nearly 70% of possession.

In the 81st minute, it almost worked for the Galaxy as Chicharito Hernandez played a 1-2 with Raheem Edwards, got behind the defense and got a shot off. But Willis made a kick save to end the threat.

That set the stage for Joveljic, who entered the game in the 77th, replacing Kevin Cabral.

This is Joveljic’s second season with the Galaxy. Last season he joined the club in the summer and played in 14 games. Before tonight, he had made just six appearances.

This is the Galaxy’s fifth clean sheet of the season and third consecutive, when factoring in Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup win over San Diego Loyal SC.

Galaxy at Real Salt Lake, Saturday, 12:30 p.m., TUDN, Univision