Splitting the pot: Colorado Rapids 1, LA Galaxy 1

The LA Galaxy came into this match with an extra week of recovery time, and a returning Chicharito, looking to upset the second place Colorado Rapids. While they didn't get the win, they were able to split the points, and come away with the 1-1 draw on Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, against a team who remain unbeaten through eight.

The Rapids came out aggressive, immediately putting the pressure on the Galaxy. The few early chances they did have were either off target, or saved. While they took a few haymakers early on, the Galaxy were able to settle in and put together some great looks of their own.

Unfortunately, much like their opponent, they were unable to put it in the back of the net before the end of the half. The best chance of the first 45 came on a breakaway by Kévin Cabral. The Frenchman was 1-v-1 with only the keeper to beat, with tons of time, but couldn't find the right shot to get it past Colorado goalkeeper William Yarbrough.

The Rapids opened up the scoring in the second half, behind a header from Michael Barrios in the 66th minute. It was a moment that had been brewing all match, with Colorado inching closer to the lead with every possession.

However, the Galaxy weren't about to go down like that, and put that extra energy from a week off, to good use late in the match. In the 80th minute, Samuel Grandsir got on the end of a beautiful long ball, one touched it, and struck it from outside the box. The shot had so much pace, Yarbrough’s touch wasn't enough, as it blasted through him for the goal.

There would be no more goals in the match, as the Galaxy did what they needed to do, to leave Colorado with at least a point. They remain in fourth place, but have pulled closer to the tussle for the top seed. The better news was the return of Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez. While he didn't steal the show, he did put in a solid 60 minutes, and was able to leave the match unscathed. The Galaxy have a quick turnaround, as they host the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday, September 15th.

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