LA Galaxy scored three goals in 13 minutes in the first half against Charlotte.

Joao Klaus is the offensive player the Los Angeles Galaxy need, scoring two goals in the first 13 minutes of Saturday’s win over Charlotte FC in Carson, California.

Lucas Sanabria also scored an early goal for the Galaxy (1-0-1, 4 points), which has allowed just one goal in its first two MLS games and two goals in four games, including a pair of CONCACAF Champions Cup games.

Novak Micovic had one save for Los Angeles, which is incorporating 2022 MLS Defender of the Year Jakob Glesnes into its back line after being acquired from the Philadelphia Union in the offseason.

Christian Kalina made eight saves for Charlotte FC (0-1-1, 1 point), which had scored just once in two regular-season contests. Charlotte played twice on the road to start the season and will now play five straight games at home.

Forward Ethan Toclomati, who led Charlotte FC with 11 goals last season, has not had a shot on target in two games this season.

Sanabria gave the Galaxy a 1-0 lead in the 8th minute of the first half with a rebound goal that hit the left post after teammate Gabriel Peck’s long-distance shot.

In the 11th minute, Peck attempted another centering pass from the right flank and Klaus slotted it into the goal for a 2-0 lead.

Klaus forced a Charlotte turnover in the 13th minute of the first half, moved to the top of the penalty area, and scored past Kalina to win 3-0.

Klaus, who scored 25 goals in three seasons with St. Louis City, has three goals in two games for the Galaxy since being acquired in a player trade in January.

Los Angeles, which did not get its first win until 17 games last season, ranked second in the Western Conference with a goal difference of minus 20 a year ago.

Klaus played 63 minutes after hitting 90 in Wednesday’s win over Sporting SM of Panama and 88 minutes in Los Angeles’ MLS opener against New York City FC last Sunday.

–Field level media