A 89th minute Ashley Cole finish saved LA's bacon as the LA Galaxy drew the New York Red Bulls 2-2 on a pleasant Sunday evening at the StubHub Center.
#LAGalaxy XI: Rowe; DLG, Steres, Van Damme, Cole; De Jong, Larentowicz; Dos Santos, Gerrard, Lletget; Keane #LAvNY pic.twitter.com/wd7flcJejz
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) August 8, 2016
LA fielded a 4-2-3-1 with Giovani dos Santos and Sebastian Lletget on the wings, while the Red Bulls were missing influential midfielder Dax McCarty.
The Galaxy jumped all over the Red Bulls early but was unable to turn pressure into goals. LA had a right to be upset in just the 3rd minute when Gerrard was run over inside the penalty area but no foul was called. Later on dos Santos had a great opportunity to smash a turnover into the net, but his volley from 12 yards out was expertly stopped by Luis Robles.
Robbie Keane had a serious scare when he collided with Luis Robles and suffered a bloody nose, but after a few minutes of treatment and a jersey switch, the Galaxy captain was back on the field.
Late in first half stoppage time, the unlucky dos Santos was thwarted twice: First when he cut inside the box from point-blank range, only for his shot to ricochet off a defender, then moments later delivering a perfect cross to Jelle Van Damme for a goal that was waved off for offsides.
LA would pay for their lack of sharpness in front of goal as the Red Bulls eventually get on the scoresheet. In the 68th minute, Gonzolo Veron got free on a breakaway and executed a picture-perfect chip over Brian Rowe and into the net.
And if that weren't enough, Sean Davis managed to get free in the box and curl a finish past Rowe to double the Red Bull lead.
You could be forgiven for counting the Galaxy out, but LA still had a chance when Steven Gerrard placed a slow header from close range to the waiting Mike Magee, who slotted the ball inside the left post.
Jesse Marsch was ejected in the dying moments of a crazy contest that ended 2-2. The Galaxy battle the Colorado Rapids at home next Saturday.