Ibrahimovic scored twice in his MLS debut to lead the Galaxy to a 4-3 victory against crosstown rival LAFCGalaxy
Galaxy F Zlatan Ibrahimovic's MLS debut on Saturday "brought a level of entertainment and interest the MLS regular season typically does not have," as well as "plenty of worldwide attention," according to Franco Panizo of PRO SOCCER USA. Ibrahimovic's game-tying and game-winning goals "drew headlines from all corners of the globe and were replayed nonstop on social media." The Galaxy are now once again the "team to watch in MLS, just as they were when they had David Beckham." Ibrahimovic will bring to the league "increased jersey sales, ticket sales and plenty of media and fan buzz -- even from those not traditionally interested in MLS" (PROSOCCERUSA.com, 4/2). ESPN’s Mina Kimes said Ibrahimovic is “immensely entertaining, which is why he’s so great for this sport." Kimes: "He will put butts in seats by the virtue of his personality. Him doing well is just a bonus." The Washington Post's Kevin Blackistone: "Nobody knew the best player from Sweden ever and now they get a taste of him. Hopefully people will tune back in to watch” ("Around The Horn," ESPN, 4/2). The N.Y. Daily News’ Frank Isola called Ibrahimovic’s first goal “one of the best moments in MLS history.” However, ESPN's Michael Wilbon said, "He can talk, but if he was any good he’d still be playing in Europe” (“PTI,” ESPN, 4/2).
