Ghanaian striker Ema Boateng scored two first-half goals to help LA Galaxy beat Real Salt Lake 3-1 in the MLS elimination round playoff on Wednesday.
His first was recorded in the 26th minute after dribbling into the center of the box, bounced off one RSL defender and maneuvered through at least three others before beating goalkeeper Nick Rimando with a low right-footed shot toward the far post to give the Galaxy a 2-1 lead.
Boateng eluded defender Demar Phillips as he curled toward the goal, then pushed a left-footed shot past Rimando just inside the post for the third in the 34th minute.
The former Right to Dream player has now scored four for the season-all against Real Salt Lake.
Boateng was given a standing ovation from the announced crowd of 18,124 in the 76th minute when he got substituted.
La Galaxy have advanced to face the Colorado Rapids in the Western Conference semifinals.