LA Galaxy draw Seattle Sounders 1-1

Playing their first competitive match in MLS without head coach Sigi Schmid, a Seattle Sounders team in desperate need of a win could only manage to draw a lackadaisical LA Galaxy side 1-1 mid-day Sunday at CenturyLink Field.

#LAGalaxy XI: Rowe; DLG, Steres, Van Damme, Cole; De Jong, Larentowicz; Dos Santos, Gerrard, Boateng; Keane #SEAvLA pic.twitter.com/nZFtvjZJ8g

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 31, 2016

With Gyasi Zardes missing from the lineup, LA never really looked comfortable offensively as Keane and dos Santos were non-factors.

However, the excellent Galaxy back line kept the Sounders at bay for most of the match, despite new Argentinian signing Nicolas Lodeiro causing plenty of trouble with his movement and incisive play. Jelle Van Damme was on the top of his game, clearing the ball off the goal-line in the 34th minute, a feat he would repeat in the second half.

Damme, that was close. https://t.co/47nu88sZss #SEAvLA pic.twitter.com/8L8oCvoikL

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 31, 2016

But Seattle would finally break through in the 49th minute, as the goal-starved Nelson Valdez managed to locate Christian Roldan in the box, who fired a low shot home past Brian Rowe.

Truth be told, it appeared it wouldn't be LA's day, but the Galaxy have done well to stay in games this season, and when Brad Evans made a horrendous defensive error late in the match, Sebastian Lletget was right there to put away the loose ball, giving LA a share of the points.