LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann has revealed that he kept the fact that he started in the 1-0 victory over Minnesota United to himself before the game.
The 24-year-old had played back-up for Jonathan Bond all season but entered starting XI for the first time in 2021 on Saturday.
Have yourself one day, Jonathan Klinsmann. ?
A massive free kick save in stoppage time! pic.twitter.com/fmDpPB7Nt3
– Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 14, 2021
And Klinsmann not only took the chance that Greg Vanney had given him; he grabbed it with both hands.
The former Hertha Berlin stopper made no less than seven saves when Galaxy ended up with a 1-0 win away at Minnesota United, which did particularly well when the Loons desperately chased the game in the final 15 minutes.
“He proved today that he is ready for the role we give him,” Vanney said of his performance. “He was outstanding, made some incredibly athletic saves during the game and I thought he did a great job. We do not get away with the three points but the performance he had. “
After talking to reporters after the match, Klinsmann revealed that he did not even tell his father, former Germany and Tottenham star Jurgen, that he started to keep a clear head.
“I did not want any congratulatory texts before the match,” said the goalkeeper (via MLSsoccer.com). “I still have not talked to anyone, so my dad is probably pissed. I kind of took it and had tunnel vision like: ‘I have to play well, I have to play well’. ”
Klinsmann’s tactics worked and he was clearly satisfied with his efforts after the match – efforts that he should probably inform his family about.
“It means everything,” Klinsmann added. “For me, it was just waiting for this chance and taking it.”
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Jonathan Klinsmanns ??????? performance to help us get the #MINvLA victory ✨ pic.twitter.com/zmmD7h1zaL
– LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) August 15, 2021
Klinsmann hopes that this remarkable achievement will keep him ahead of Bond in the breeding order for the rest of the season, adding: “My goal is not to be on the bench anymore. So I hope I did as much as I could today to move forward and hopefully take that starting spot. ”
Galaxy’s victory keeps them third in the Western Conference, one point behind the Seattle Sounders in second place and just two behind leaders Sporting Kansas City.
Vanney’s side will host Colorado Rapids on Tuesday before Rivalry Week clashes with the San Jose Earthquakes and LAFC.
