LA Galaxy's Jonathan Klinsmann reveals secret behind 7-save match

LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann has revealed he kept the fact he was starting in the 1-0 win over Minnesota United to himself prior to the match.

The 24-year-old had been playing back-up to Jonathan Bond all season but came into the starting XI for the first time in 2021 on Saturday.

And Klinsmann didn't just take the chance Greg Vanney had given him; he grasped it with both hands.

The former Hertha Berlin stopper made no fewer than seven saves as the Galaxy ran out 1-0 winners away at Minnesota United, performing particularly well as the Loons desperately chased the game in the final 15 minutes.

“He proved today that he’s ready for whatever role we give him,” Vanney said of his performance. “He was outstanding, made some incredibly athletic saves over the course of the game and I thought he did a good job. We don’t come away with the three points without the performance that he had."

Speaking to reporters after the match, Klinsmann revealed he didn't even tell his father, former Germany and Tottenham star Jurgen, that he was starting in order to keep a clear head.

“I didn't want any congratulations texts before the game,” the goalkeeper said (via MLSsoccer.com). “I still haven't talked to anyone, so my dad's probably pissed. I just kind of took it and had tunnel vision like, 'I got to play well, I got to play well'.”

Klinsmann's tactics worked out and he was clearly thrilled with his efforts post-game - efforts he should probably inform his family of.

"It means everything," Klinsmann added. "For me, it was just waiting for this chance and taking it."

Klinsmann hopes this remarkable performance will keep him ahead of Bond in the pecking order for the rest of the season, adding: “My goal is to not be on the bench anymore. So I hope I did as much as I could today to keep going forward and hopefully take that starting spot.”

The Galaxy's win keeps them third in the Western Conference, a point behind the Seattle Sounders in second and just two adrift of leaders Sporting Kansas City.

Vanney's side host the Colorado Rapids on Tuesday before Rivalry Week clashes against the San Jose Earthquakes and LAFC.