Hernandez fluffs 97th-minute penalty that would’ve been winner and his hat-trick
Former Manchester United star Javier Hernandez had an absolute howler for LA Galaxy, as he missed the chance to win them the match after failing to convert a 'paneka' penalty on Sunday night.
The Mexican striker was handed a glorious opportunity to not only hand Galaxy three vital points, but it also would have completed his hat-trick after already scoring two goals during the game. With the score tied at 2-2 against Sporting Kansas City, Galaxy were awarded a penalty with seconds remaining, but Hernandez was left red faced.
After already converting a penalty just ten minutes earlier to equalise, confidence was flowing through his veins. But Hernandez undid all of his hard work, and apologised to the home crowd as he was left red faced.
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The 'panenka' continues to divide opinion amongst football fans, as although they can look classy when successfully done, it can also backfire in brutal fashion. And now Hernandez has learnt that first hand, and they now sit three points adrift of the play-offs with just six games remaining.
Hernandez gestured to the crowd as he grimaced with embarrassment, and he also apologised after the game as he took full responsibility for failing to take three points. "It's a mental game and I dared to take the shot, and the responsibility of not getting the two [extra] points falls on me," Hernandez said after the game.
"I accept it, one hundred percent. Unfortunately, I caused my team to drop two points, but I'm going to keep on working. There's no other way and I have to accept my responsibility. He [Pulksamp] guessed right and that's it."
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It was the third penalty of the game, as Johnny Russell scored from the spot to cancel out Hernandez' opener, and the Mexican levelled the score from 12 yards with just two minutes remaining in normal time. But despite scoring two goals to keep Galaxy in it, his missed penalty will be the only talking point from the game.
Hernandez has been in terrific goalscoring form, scoring seven goals in his last six MLS matches. But his miss from the spot could come back to haunt them at the end of the regular season.
Play-off football is still in Galaxy's hands, as they sit three points adrift of Portland Timbers who occupy the final spot with two games in hand. But with only two of their six remaining games being played at home, it could be a huge two points dropped with some difficult fixtures coming up on the road.
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