PORTLAND, Ore. – LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano provides his Three Points to the club’s 2-2 draw with the Portland Timbers at Providence Park. Gyasi Zardes and Alan Gordon scored as the Galaxy moved to 1-0-1 on the season.
LATE GAME HEROICS GIVE LA A POINT
The LA Galaxy’s trip to Portland always results in fireworks and Sunday’s 2-2 draw once again provided late game dramatics.
Despite the Galaxy controlling much of the match, the Timbers appeared to have a late winner when Fanendo Adi grabbed his second goal of the afternoon in the 90th minute off an LA defensive breakdown. The Galaxy were not to be denied, however, as second-half substitute Alan Gordon scored a stoppage-time equalizer off a Stefan Ishizaki corner to rescue a point for the reigning MLS Cup champions.
Late goals are nothing new against Portland as the Galaxy have now scored a total of six goals in the final 15 minutes all-time against the Timbers.
GALAXY CONTROL THE TEMPO BUT FINISHING STILL PROGRESSING
Bruce Arena’s squad put forth a strong performance all-around in their 2-2 draw against the Portland Timbers, but the team’s final touch in front of goal remains a work in progress.
From the opening whistle, the Galaxy’s wide play helped LA control the tempo and create scoring opportunities. However, despite crisp service by Jose Villarreal and Stefan Ishizaki, the Galaxy’s finishing touch was lacking as the visitors squandered numerous chances on the slick turf in Portland.
Even though the Galaxy struggled in front of net, their ability to tally two goals and steal a point on the road is a major plus for an LA team still finding their footing.
MIKA VAYRYNEN IMPRESSES IN LA GALAXY DEBUT
Mika Vayrynen showcased a touch of class in his LA Galaxy debut, notching an assist in 28 minutes of work during the team’s 2-2 draw.
Immediately after checking in, Vayrynen provided a spark for the Galaxy as his clever touch brought the LA attack to life. In the 65th minute, Vayrynen’s skill on the ball resulted in a goal as he found Jose Villarreal who delivered a pinpoint cross to Gyasi Zardes for the Galaxy’s opening goal. The only blemish on Vayrynen’s afternoon came in the 80th minute when he was issued a yellow card by head referee Hilario Grajeda.
Given his strong showing as a substitute, Vayrynen could put himself in contention to start against the Houston Dynamo next week with a strong week in training.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
