CARSON, CA (September 30, 2017) – Despite going up a man early, the LA Galaxy were unable to win at home on Saturday night. They ended up drawing Real Salt Lake 1-1 after Kyle Beckerman scored at the death.
Los Angeles Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Clement Diop — Gyasi Zardes, Michael Ciani, Dave Romney, Ashley Cole — Jermaine Jones, Jonathan dos Santos — Romain Alessandrini, Bradford Jamieson, Emmanuel Boateng — Giovani dos Santos
Salt Lake Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Nick Rimando — Tony Beltran, Marcelo Silva, Justen Glad, Danilo Acosta — Kyle Beckerman, Luke Mulholland — Joao Plata, Albert Rusnák, Jefferson Savarino — Luis Silva
LA Galaxy Blow Lead Late Against 10 Man RSL Team 1-1
The match started with both teams trading chances. Goalkeeper Clement Diop was tested early. Just four minutes in, Romain Alessandrini fired a shot off the underside of the post.
Things turned in favor of the Galaxy just 14 minutes in. Marcelo Silva was called for a foul, pulling on Giovani dos Santos’s shoulder. After a VAR review, the play was ruled to be a DOGSO with Silva being the last defender back. He was given a straight red card, reducing RSL to ten men.
Los Angeles took advantage, controlling the ball and creating a number of chances. Their work finally paid off minutes before halftime. They were moving the ball around when Jermaine Jones picked out Bradford Jamieson IV with a pass. Jamieson shot first time, tucking the ball inside the far post to beat Rimando. The half ended 1-0.
The second half was a shooting gallery for both sides. Forwards from both side had chances, missing the frame of goal by just a few feet. Joao Plata hit the post on one occasion. Both keepers were put to the test and stood tall.
Then in the final minute of stoppage time, RSL had one final set piece chance. Diop made the save on the initial save, but the rebound led to a chance for Beckerman. The midfielder shot the ball into the top of the net.
The match ended 1-1.
Key Event Summary:
14′ Red Card – Salt Lake – Marcelo Silva (DOGSO)
41′ Goal – Los Angeles – Bradford Jamieson, assisted by Jermaine Jones
90’+5′ – Goal – Salt Lake – Kyle Beckerman, assisted by David Horst
Last Word:
This result shouldn’t sit well with either team. Even when the Galaxy are good, they aren’t. They were given a gift with a straight red card to an opposing defender just 14 minutes into the game. Yet, they weren’t able to close out the match. They had almost 63% possession and lots of chances (19 shots, 8 shots on goal). Then they gave up the game tying goal at the death. This team is bad and desperately needs the season to end.
On the other side, RSL dropped points against a weak opponent (who are very bad at home). They might be content with a point after a first half red card. Still, they are lucky to be above the red line in 42 points. FC Dallas is behind them on a tie breaker, but has a game in hand. If RSL misses the playoffs, remember this result.
