:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69697347/usa_today_16536838.0.jpg)
The stage was set for the LA Galaxy to secure their share of first place in the Western Conference on Sunday, and all they needed was a win. Unfortunately, they would have to settle for the 1-1 draw against the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps at Dignity Health Sports Park.
The match started off as well as it could for the Galaxy. From the opening whistle they controlled the first half. Peppering the goal with chances, the second-best look of the night coming in the 28th minute. Second-best, because the best chances are the ones you finish for goals. That's exactly what Kevin Cabral did in the 32nd minute. Efrain Alvarez continued his great return with an excellent pass, opening up Cabral for a 1-v-1 situation, that he finished well.
Kevin Cabral buries it into the back of the net to put the @LAGalaxy ahead! #LAvVAN pic.twitter.com/vqAlXBaDgr
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 9, 2021
While that was the only goal of the half, the Galaxy felt more than confident going into the break. Possession never dropped below 54%, and passing never below 88%. With 11 shots and a goal lead, the team looked set to secure their share of first place in the West. Vancouver had other plans.
A Whitecaps corner kick in the 50th minute equalized proceedings. A good ball into the box found Ranko Veselinović, who got just enough of his head on it to tie it up.
Vesselinovic pulls one back for @WhitecapsFC! #LAvVAN pic.twitter.com/PeDNywWfZM
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 9, 2021
The equalizer from the visitors was the final score of the match, despite the Galaxy’s best efforts in the final minutes of stoppage time. The draw only feels like a disappointment in the context of the night and its possibilities. At home, an inferior opponent on paper, a team getting healthier, dominant first half, and a chance to secure a share of first place in the conference with a win.
As it stands, the draw keeps LA in third place, just two points off first, and one behind the Seattle Sounders in second place. Things may not have gone the way everyone wanted in this one, but they are most definitely headed in the right direction. With every passing day this team gets healthier, stronger, hungrier. With the top spot within a fingertip’s touch, its only a matter of time before the league is put on notice.
What do you think of the match? Leave a comment below!