LA Galaxy vs New York Red Bulls: Three Key Moments

Aug 7, 2016; Carson, CA, USA; LA Galaxy defender Ashley Cole (3) moves the ball defended by New York Red Bulls midfielder Sacha Kljestan (16) during the first half at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2016; Carson, CA, USA; LA Galaxy defender Ashley Cole (3) moves the ball defended by New York Red Bulls midfielder Sacha Kljestan (16) during the first half at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The LA Galaxy were able to come away with a point after they found two late goals in the final 10 minutes of their match against the New York Red Bulls.

The LA Galaxy took on the New York Red Bulls in the final game of Week 23 of MLS play. It was a back and fourth match that saw all the goals come in the final 25 minutes of the game. It was a crazy finish in Los Angeles but both teams were able to walk away with a point as they drew 2-2.

The LA Galaxy are now 9-3-10 on the season with 37 total point which is good enough for fourth in the Western Conference. The Red Bulls are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference with 33 total points (9-9-6) as they are only four points behind East leading NYCFC. Both of these teams could have used wins in this one but a point for each will keep both in the playoff hunt in their respective conferences.

1. NYRB Injuries

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The New York Red Bulls were forced to use all three of their subs by the 47th minutes after three of their players suffered injuries. Injuries to defender Damien Perrinelle (30′), defender Connor Lade (32′), and forward Bradley Wright-Phillips (47′) forced New York to use their subs earlier than expected in this one. They would have obviously liked to follow their strategy but injuries forced them to change things up.

2. Ashley Cole’s Late Equalizer

Ashley Cole came up clutch late in the game as he scored an equalizer in the 89th minute. This was also his first career MLS goal. The Galaxy were able to complete their comeback attempt as they bounced back from a 2-0 deficit in the final 10 minutes of the match.

Mike Magee scored in the 80th minute to give LA their first goal.

You can check out the highlights here at MLSSoccer.com

3. New York Red Bulls’ Head Coach Ejected

Jesse Marsch was ejected late in the match near the 90th minute. He was visibly upset after two potentially missed penalty kick calls by the referee. Galaxy goalkeeper, Brian Rowe, took out two NYRB players in the 85th and 90th minute as he dove for the ball. They were close plays that could have gone either way and LA was lucky that a penalty was not given on either one.

This was one of the most exciting matches of the weekend but it will unfortunately be overshadowed by the referee’s decisions late in the game. This was the only meeting between the two sides this MLS season. The Galaxy will next play against FC Dallas on August 10th in the Semifinal of the U.S. Open Cup and the NYRB will play against the Montreal Impact on August 13th.