Ethan Zubak’s stoppage-time strike helped LA Galaxy II (4-4-3, 15 points) to a 2-2 draw with Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (3-4-4, 13 points) at H-E-B Park.
Los Dos got off to strong start early in the match thanks to a nicely orchestrated corner kick from Brian Iloski in the 16th minute. Omar Ontiveros found himself at the right place, at the right time, getting a foot to Iloski’s in-swinging corner kick to give the Galaxy an early lead.
Rio Grande Valley FC levelled the score shortly before halftime after a great run from Maalique Foster who tapped in a cross from very close range, just beating Los Dos’ Justin Vom Steeg. A few minutes later, RGVFC looked to put themselves ahead when Wilmer Cabrera’s heavy touch landed favorably, giving him a breakaway shot on goal. However, Vom Steeg rushed off his line to make his first big save of the night. The sides entered halftime tied with one goal apiece.
RGVFC came out of halftime flying, scoring their second goal of the evening in the 57th minute. The goal came from Michael Salazar, who earned a hat trick in the sides’ 4-4 draw on April 24 contest. Less than 10 minutes later, Salazar attempted to get his second of the night, but again Vom Steeg stepped up for his team. Salazar was on a clear breakaway when Vom Steeg flew off his line to snatch the ball from the oncoming attacker’s feet.
As time ticked away, the home side looked likely to hold onto the victory. But Los Dos had other plans. In the final minute of play, the visiting side’s final scoring opportunity began with a brilliant turn from Nate Shultz so he could slot a pass across the box to find the feet of Zubak. He nimbly shifted the ball from his right foot to his left and fired a low shot at goal. With the goal, Zubak and Los Dos stole a much coveted road point.
With the draw, LA Galaxy II remain undefeated in all contests against Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.
Next up, LA Galaxy II return home to host their SoCal rivals Orange County SC at Dignity Health Sports Park Track & Field Stadium on Saturday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m. PT.
Scoring Summary:
LA – Omar Ontiveros (Assisted by Brian Iloski) 16’
RGV – Maalique Foster (Assisted by Romilio Hernandez) 34’
RGV – Michael Salazar (Assisted by Maalique Foster) 57’
LA – Ethan Zubak 90’+2’
Misconduct Summary:
LA – John Requejo 19’
RGV – Conor Donovan 48’
LA – Adrian Vera 62’
LA – Nate Shultz 69’
Lineups:
LA Galaxy II: Justin Vom Steeg; John Requejo (Jose Hernandez 75’), Nick DePuy, Tomas Hilliard-Arce ©, Nate Shultz; Brian Iloski, Omar Ontiveros (Kai Koreniuk 45’), Adrian Vera, Don Tchilao (Jorge Hernandez 84’); Augustine Williams, Ethan Zubak
Substitutions not used: Abraham Romero, Michael Gallagher
TOTAL SHOTS: 9; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 14; OFFSIDE: 0; CORNER KICKS: 7; SAVES: 2.
Rio Grande Valley FC: Nicolas Corti; Chris Duvall, Conor Donovan, Kyle Adams, Sam Junqua; Jesus Enriquez, Isidro Martinez, Romilio Hernandez, Wilmer Cabrera (Andres Arcila 65’), Michael Salazar (Carlos Small 76’); Maalique Foster (Erik McCue 84’)
Substitution not used: Ben Willis, Andrew Samuels, Brad Dunwell, Nico Lemoine
TOTAL SHOTS: 13; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 14; OFFSIDE: 0; CORNER KICKS: 3; SAVES: 2.
Referee: Alejandro Aguilera
Assistant Referees: Mark Novosel, Jim Chan
Fourth Official: Arturo Ibarra
Attendance: 4,892
NOTES:
- LA Galaxy II (4-4-3, 15 points) drew 2-2 with Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (3-4-4, 13 points) in a thrilling match on the road.
- Los Dos remain undefeated all-time against Rio Grande Valley FC Toros with a 4-0-5 record.
- LA Galaxy II are 1-2-1 away from home this season.
- Kai Koreniuk leads the team in goals this year (4).
- Brian Iloski leads the team in assists this year (3).
- LA Galaxy II finished the 2018 USL Championship season with a 7-6-4 home record and a 3-11-3 away record.
- Next up, LA Galaxy II return home to host their SoCal rivals Orange County SC at Dignity Health Sports Park Track & Field Stadium on Saturday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m. PT.
