Magical moments at the start of a season are basically expected in the US soccer league MLS. Like the magic of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2020, when the Swede hammered the ball into the goal from 40 meters in his first game for Los Angeles Galaxy and later added the 4-3 winner against local rivals LAFC. Or Lionel Messi, who chipped a free kick into the top corner for Inter Miami last year.
And yes, Reus also delivered on Saturday night, twice, with an assist and a goal in Galaxy’s 2-0 home win over Atlanta United.
Marco Reus at Los Angeles Galaxy
:Unlike Beckham and Ibrahimovic
Former Dortmund footballer Marco Reus is supposed to be a role model for Los Angeles Galaxy, not a savior or a self-promoter. The US league MLS hopes that he will continue to serve as a springboard for local talent.
By Jürgen Schmieder
Reus was substituted in the 62nd minute, which even the many dogs behind the north goal – there is a grass area there and four-legged friends are allowed to bring to selected games – accompanied by loud barking. Galaxy had dominated the game up to that point, but had forgotten about passes into the penalty area and shots on goal. But that was exactly why they had brought in Reus, who had scored 170 goals and provided 131 assists in 429 Bundesliga games. Someone who can find his way into the penalty area and on goal even when he is fast asleep. Two days previously, Galaxy had happily announced that the P1 visa for “individual athletes at an international level” had been granted – and if Reus was needed, he could be substituted on, even if he had only been training with the team for a few days.
While celebrating, Reus sends a greeting to the residents of the city
Eight minutes later, Reus himself was in the right place in the penalty area; Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan blocked the direct shot from eleven meters, but not the follow-up shot. As he celebrated, Reus sent a greeting to the city’s residents: he formed his fingers into the LA logo, which can be seen on the legendary cap of the Dodgers baseball team, for example. That’s how you make yourself popular in the City of Angels.
“Great debut,” said Reus, who diligently signed autographs immediately after the end of the game and must have noticed how many people had brought Borussia Dortmund jerseys, Marco Reus scarves and signs with “Welcome” on them. In the future, Reus should not only be the one who decides games, he should become a figurehead like other European export players at Galaxy before him: Robbie Keane, David Beckham, Ibrahimovic. A dazzling reason for fans to come to the stadium or at least take out a subscription to the MLS streaming service. And a role model for young Galaxy players who should ask themselves: What makes Reus so special, what can I learn from him?
Reus, 35, is fully aware of these tasks. “We have a young team that can play quickly,” he said of the team that became the first MLS club in history to achieve its 400th victory on Saturday, currently leads the Western Conference and thus has home advantage in the playoffs up to and including the semi-finals. However, Messi’s Inter Miami currently has the most points and would therefore – assuming they win the playoffs – be the host of the final. Galaxy still have seven games to play in the main round, so there is enough time for Reus to get used to his new colleagues. The former Dortmund player has already found out this much: “The last title was ten years ago.”
