LA Galaxy draw D.C. United 2-2

The LA Galaxy’s StubHub Center 4th of July celebration was spoiled by a late comeback from United, as LA and D.C. shared the points 2-2 in a disappointing home draw.

LA Galaxy

Sigi Schmid opted to field a 3-5-2 with No. 2 SuperDraft pick Tomas Hilliard-Arce earning his third start of the season. The formation had mixed results: LA were uneven in attack but solid defensively.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic put the Galaxy ahead with another early tally just five minutes in. Bradford Jamieson IV found Dave Romney near the left touchline and the wingback delivered a looping cross to the Swedish target forward who separated himself from defender Oniel Fisher and powered a volley past David Ousted.

Minutes later the Galaxy almost doubled the lead when Romain Alessandrini ended a sequence in the box by lifting a cross to Ibra at the far post, but the ball was just too far for Zlatan to re-direct, careening off Ibra’s leg.

Chris Pontius would give LA a 2-0 lead in the 25th minute off a moment of individual brilliance, calmly accepting a 40 yard pass from Jorgen Skjelvik and rounding Fisher with a single touch before curving a left footed beauty around Ousted into the corner.

Much to the annoyance of Sigi, LA would give up a soft goal a minute later. The crafty Luciano Acosta took advantage of a poor Michael Ciani clearance and probed before locating Zoltan Stieber racing in the box, who’s early finish beat David Bingham.

Baggio Husidic would have to replace Bradford Jamieson IV after the Homegrown Player suffered a hip strain.

LA were unable to muster much offensively in the second half, but the Galaxy appeared to have secured all three points before a 85th minute Darren Mattocks goal off a breakdown in the back four tied the match, relegating the team to another disappointing home result.