This is the scenario that all panenka shooters in history dread.
Mexico's Javier Hernandez, aka Chicharito, netted a Major League Soccer brace, but a bittersweet brace after completely missing the winning penalty in injury time.
Before that, the Los Angeles Galaxy striker found the fault with a powerful strike in the 4th minute against Kansas City, then he equalized from the penalty spot by sending his shot into the top corner (2-2, 88th ).
But things went wrong when he had the opportunity to become the hero of the game.
In additional time, in fact, the 34-year-old international with 109 caps with Mexico, passed by Manchester United, Real Madrid then Seville, among others, inexplicably missed the penalty for victory.
He attempted a panenka, which was totally missed (90th + 7), or which in any case did not surprise the opposing goalkeeper, who remained well on his line and his support.
The latter seized the ball most quietly in the world.
Completely missed Panenka from Chicharito tonight with Los Angeles Galaxy đșđžâ
He had the ball 3-2 in the 97th minute đŻ
(đ„ @MLS) pic.twitter.com/C67ZCnKMcr
â Footballogueâïžâïž (@Footballogue) September 5, 2022
This day will also have been that of missed penalties: Benteke missed his with DC United (0-0 against Colorado), the same for Lodeiro with Seattle (2-1 against Houston), and for Carlos Vela with Los Angeles FC against Real Salt Lake (2-0).
In the standings, Los Angeles FC is still a solid leader in the West, when Philadelphia leads the way in the East.