CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy earned a 1-1 draw with the Portland Timbers on Sunday night, but it wasn’t the scoreline that drew the headlines.
It was Nigel de Jong’s foul on Darlington Nagbe that drew all the attention.
The action occurred in the 72nd minute when both players attempted to win a 50/50 ball only for De Jong to collide with Nagbe’s ankle. The tackle forced Nagbe to be stretchered off the field and ultimately aided after the final whistle.
Immediately following the game, De Jong was quick to reach out to Nagbe to apologize for the incident. Afterward, he spoke with reporters about the challenge.
“It was a ball that came my way. It was 50-50 and normally I always have those balls. But I went over the ball and caught the ball a little bit and caught most of his ankle,” De Jong said. “It was a pity; it was never my intention to hurt him. He’s a good kid, as well, and I said that after the game, as well, to him. It’s a pity, but that’s football, as well. It was never my intention, and when a ball comes in that situation, you always go for it 100%. Unfortunately, I caught him.”
