In retrospect, its surprising it didn’t happen sooner.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic led by example with a stellar all-around performance, notching a second-half hat trick to bail out the Galaxy defense and extend the LA Galaxy unbeaten streak to nine straight matches. The 36-year old now has 15 goals and 6 assists in 17 appearances.

Ibra’s first strike came in the 47th minute as the Swedish target striker ran onto Giovani dos Santos’ and floated in the air to power a header past keeper Earl Edwards Jr.

After Dom Dwyer somehow split LA’s center backs to regain the lead, Zlatan scored twice in five minute to bury the Lions. With his back to goal Ibra set up Ola Kamara on the right flank and Kamara duly repaid the striker with a quick cross for Zlatan to once again head home.

With the electric StubHub Center crowd willing the team on, Ibra completed his hat trick with a poacher’s goal, collecting a loose rebound from close-range before smashing the ball into the net.