Chicharito’s late goal leads Galaxy over New York City FC

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  • Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández (14) signals to a teammate during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • A Los Angeles Galaxy fan hold his hand over his heart while the national anthem player prior to the start of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Samuel Grandsir (11) looks t pass during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • A Los Angeles Galaxy fan holds up a sign during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • An Los Angeles Galaxy supporter section leader yells out on a megaphone during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • A Los Angeles Galaxy supporter flag waves in the air during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Marky Delgado (8) kicks the ball during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • A Los Angeles Galaxy supporter holds up a scarf during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Víctor Vázquez (7) fights a New York City FC defender for the ball during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy forward Raheem Edwards (44) recovers the ball during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy defender Julian Araujo (2) headers the ball during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • A Los Angeles Galaxy fan hold up an anti-war sign during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy forward Raheem Edwards (44) winds up for a kick during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond (1) makes a save during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond (1) watches the ball kicked by New York City FC midfielder Valentín Castellanos (11) fly over during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy forward Raheem Edwards (44) recovers the ball against New York City FC midfielder Maximiliano Moralez (10) during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy defender Julian Araujo (2) recovers the ball during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy defender Séga Coulibaly (4) headers the ball during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández (14) maneuvers the ball during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Víctor Vázquez (7) headers the ball during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Rayan Raveloson (6) rects after missing a goal kick during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández (14) reacts after scoring the winning goal during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Efrain Alvarez (26) kicks the ball against New York City FC midfielder Alfredo Morales (7) during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy defender Séga Coulibaly (4) pushes off on New York City FC midfielder Maximiliano Moralez (10) during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • An Los Angeles Galaxy supporter section leader yells out on a megaphone during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Rayan Raveloson (6) attempt a goal shot during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy forward Raheem Edwards (44) headers the ball during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández (14) vies for the ball during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Marky Delgado (8) recovers the ball during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy forward Nick DePuy (20) vies for the ball against several New York City FC defenders during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond (1) makes a save against the New York City FC during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond (1) makes a save during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener against the New York City FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Douglas Costa (10) pushes off New York City FC forward Talles Magno Bacelar Martins (43) as he attack the goal during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Rayan Raveloson (6) moves the ball up the pitch during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener against the New York City FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández (14) reacts after scoring the winning goal during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Douglas Costa (10) battles with New York City FC defender Alexander Callens (6) for the ball during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy defender Julian Araujo (2) vies for the ball against New York City FC defender Malte Amundsen (12) during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández (14) makes a run towards the goal that would lead to the wining score during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández (14) reacts after scoring the winning goal during the second half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the New York City FC 1-0. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

  • Los Angeles Galaxy forward Kévin Cabral (9) kicks a shot on goal during the first half of the Los Angeles Galaxy season opener against the New York City FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

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CARSON — Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez didn’t get many chances Sunday, but in the end, he didn’t need that many.

He finished the game with just two shots on goal.

In the 90th minute, Hernandez on a pass from Raheem Edwards, scored the game’s lone goal to lead the Galaxy to a 1-0 win in the season opener over defending MLS Cup champion New York City FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in front of 25,174.

“I’m very happy my goal helped my team,” Hernandez said. “But my goal wasn’t everything.”

For all intents and purposes, it appeared the Galaxy was spiraling toward a scoreless draw.

In the second half, the Galaxy subbed on Samuel Grandsir, Efrain Alvarez and Sacha Kljestan in an attempt to open the attack that had become somewhat stale on a warm afternoon day.

The moment finally presented itself in the 90th minute.

Edwards took the ball from NYCFC Keaton Parks and slipped the ball through to Hernandez, who faked one defender and fired high into the net.

“After I got the ball, I saw that Chicharito was still there on an onside position,” Edwards said. “I tried to slip him through and Chicha did what Chicha does, puts the ball in the back of the net.”

Hernandez credited Edwards as making “the pass of a No. 10.”

Last season, Hernandez scored 17 goals in 21 games for the Galaxy.

“The continuous work for 90 minutes to make a difference in the 90th minute is sometimes the life of a forward,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “He just kept working through it and he kept competing for the entire game and he found his moment and made the difference.”

The Galaxy, who has been maligned for a porous defense, turned in a workmanlike effort against NYCFC. Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond was forced to make just one save.

“Neither team had a ton of chances,” Vanney said. “For us, it looked a little like our first competitive game, just in terms of the work was there, the competition was there, some things just needed to be a little sharper, a little more dynamic.

“I think us still getting our 90 minutes of MLS match fitness is still a work in progress for everybody, but I was super pleased with the effort ….I thought the most important thing was we defended our goal, defended our box and defended our hearts out and if we can do that, we’re going to be fine.”

The game was also the Galaxy and MLS debut for Douglas Costa. Costa, who joined the Galaxy earlier this month, went 67 minutes until he was replaced by Efrain Alvarez.

After the game, Costa brought out a flag of the Ukraine. He played in the country with Shakhtar Donetsk (2010-15).

“You see his quality and some of his actions, some of the balls, some of the moments you see he’s an intelligent player,” Vanney said of Costa. “This is the first match he’s played in a long time. He didn’t have a lot of preseason matches.

“The only way we’re going to get him with continuity in the group and get his legs under him is to get him out and have him playing and he’s got to work through some of that in front of everybody, that’s part of it. His fitness is coming along, but he put in a good shift on the defensive side and he was connected to the group.”

Costa didn’t waste any time getting his first shot off as a member of the Galaxy, ripping a shot from approximately 12 yards out that forced NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson into action.

“It’s a process,” Hernandez said of Costa. “He couldn’t play any preseason games with us, so he needs time to adapt to our ideas.

“We know his talents and what he can give us. We’re going to help him and if he shines, we all shine.”

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