The Galaxy were finally in a celebrating mood following its equalizer against Portland.
By Ivan Yeo
Already in 2016, things have been tough for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The Galaxy have had to weather the injury bug so far in this young season. LA were without two of its three designated players, Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard for Sunday evening’s prime time nationally televised match against the reigning MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers, and the third DP, Giovani Dos Santos returned to the starting 11 after missing LA’s last three matches due to a calf injury.
With all that going on, perhaps it was only fitting that it was an unlucky bounce on Portland’s side that enabled the Galaxy to salvage a point in its 1-1 draw with the Timbers at StubHub Center.
“We got away with a point today,” Galaxy midfielder Nigel DeJong said. “It could have been worse if we lose three points at home.”
The play occured in the 84th minute with Portland already up a goal. Sebastian Lletget dribbled on the right and crossed a ball into the penalty area for Gyasi Zardes. Timbers center back Nat Borchers tried to beat Zardes to the ball, which he did. Unfortunately for Borchers, his header on the cross instead continued forward and into the back net for the equalizer.
“When asked whether he could’ve beaten Borchers to that ball, Zardes replied “I think I would have, but he hit in the goal for me so I’ll take it.”
The own goal cancelled out Fanendo Adi’s opening goal in the 52nd minute in which he recieved a ball from Diego Valeri, took advantage of the space offers to him and fired a shot that beat keeper Brian Rowe far post.
The first matchup between the last two MLS Cup champions figured to be an intense affair, and it was. The two teams combined to commit 21 fouls and four yellow cards were handed out in the match. The one yellow card however that already has MLS fans talking (and will surely had the league’s disciplinary board talking) occured in the 72nd minute. DeJong attempted to beat Darlington Nagbe to a 50-50 ball, DeJong’s tackle went real bad however, as he didn’t get the ball and instead clipped Nagbe’s left ankle. Nagbe, who had been favoring that ankle minutes earlier when he intentionally kicked a ball out and needed to be assisted by the training staff, was carried out on a stretcher and did not return.
“It was a 50-50 ball,” de Jong said of the play. “Normally, I always have those balls. I went over to the ball and catch the ball a little bit and catch most of his ankle. It was a pity, you know what I mean? It was never my intention to hurt him.”
Neagbe looks to beat De Yong by a hair to the 50/50 ball
As accurately described, he got a little of the ball and caught most of Neagbe’s ankle
Concern was certainly immediate for the injured Neagbe
Timbers head coach Caleb Porter however did not mince words when asked about the play (as well as the other fouls in the match).
“I understand that there’s a message that referees want to send – well, we better start sending it, then. Because they didn’t send it today with some of the tackles that were in that game,” Porter said.
The Galaxy will be back in action on Friday, as they travel to Houston to face the Dynamo.
