CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano’s Three Points to the Galaxy’s 2-2 draw with Seattle Sounders FC.
GALAXY AND SEATTLE TRADE GOALS IN THRILLING MATCH
The LA Galaxy’s duel with Seattle Sounders FC was one of the most highly anticipated games in league history and the match delivered all that and more with a thrilling 2-2 draw.
The Galaxy’s first strike came in the dying moments of a frantic first half when Baggio Husidic fired a shot past Stefan Frei after a failed Seattle clearance. Husidic played a part in LA’s second as his heads-up pass to Marcelo Sarvas helped LA double their lead.
Seattle answered, however, thanks to a pair of stellar plays by MLS MVP candidate Obafemi Martins. The Nigerian provided a deft touch to Clint Dempsey who cut LA’s lead to one in the 69th minute. Martins played distributor again moments later, this time with a dish to Lamar Neagle as Seattle erased the Galaxy’s advantage after 72 minutes. Although Seattle tested LA throughout the remainder of the second half, they were unable to find the game-winner.
OMAR GONZALEZ SEES RED AND SUSPENDED FOR MATCH IN SEATTLE
If the LA Galaxy are going to win the Supporters’ Shield, they’ll have to do so without Omar Gonzalez who was ejected from their 2-2 draw with Seattle late in the second half.
In the 88th minute, Galaxy center back Omar Gonzalez was awarded a second yellow card and then a subsequent red card ejection for a challenge on Gonzalo Pineda by referee Ismail Elfath. Ejected from the match, Gonzalez will also miss out on the return leg in Seattle next Saturday. With Gonzalez unavailable for the match in Seattle, the Galaxy will likely need to rely upon Brazilian center back Leonardo alongside A.J. DeLaGarza in central defense next Saturday.
Although Leonardo has endured an up-and-down 2014 campaign, the Brazilian’s improved form over the past month should provide head coach Bruce Arena with some comfort heading into the final match.
ONE GAME TO DECIDE THE SUPPORTERS’ SHIELD
The LA Galaxy’s battle with Seattle Sounders FC for the Supporters’ Shield will go down to the final game of the MLS regular season.
After their 2-2 draw with Seattle, the Galaxy will need a victory on the road at CenturyLink Field on Oct. 25 to give them the Supporters’ Shield. Anything less than three points will see the Sounders win their first regular season title in club history. The Galaxy have had success in Seattle over the years, however, with a 4-3-2 record at CenturyLink Field including a 3-0 victory on July 28th.
Hold on to your butts. This one is going to be fun.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com .
