Even after a second half brace from Giovani dos Santos, the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake split points after a late goal in extra time saw the teams draw 3-3.
The LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake each walked away with a point as they drew, 3-3. RSL were close to losing their first home game of the season but a late goal leveled things up. Los Angeles will feel like they missed out on a win and dropped important points in this one because they should’ve held onto the lead.
This was a milestone match for RSL midfielder, Kyle Beckerman, as he reached his 400th MLS appearance. He is now the only field player to ever reach that many caps in the league. Los Angeles tried to spoil the celebration for Beckerman but RSL made sure they at least got a point.
Both teams entered this midweek match with identical points on the season with 43. With the draw, the LA Galaxy now have 44 points (10-4-14) on the season as they climbed into the second spot in the Western Conference. Real Salt Lake also moved up in the standings and they are now 12-8-8 on the year and tied with the Galaxy.
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1. Ema Boateng Counter Attack
Emmanuel Boateng got the start for the fourth straight match and he produced in Gyasi Zardes’ absence on the wing. Ema showcased his pace as he broke out on the counter attack from a great pass from Giovani dos Santos. He scored his second goal of the 2016 season in the 6′ minute of this match. Bruce Arena continues to have confidence in Boateng and he produced in this one.
2. GdS Scores a Brace
Giovani dos Santos continued his outstanding form of late as he scored a brace in the second half of this one. He scored his first in the 57′ minute off of a great over the top pass from Baggio Husidic. GdS powered the shot past Nick Rimando as it found the back of the net. He scored his second goal of the match in the 64′ minute when a shot from Jeff Larentowicz bounced off of the post and the rebound fell to Gio. This was dos Santos’ fourth goal in his past four games.
3. Goal at the Brink
Real Salt Lake came back from a 3-1 deficit as they scored two goals in the second half. Joao Plata scored the first goal in the 67′ minute to cut LA’s lead to just one. Juan Manuel Martinez scored the match tying goal in the fourth and final minute of extra time. The long shot barely squeaked through Brian Rowe’s hands and in all honesty, he should’ve made the save. Instead, RSL got a goal at the brink.
Real Salt Lake will be looking for a win in their next game as they travel to Portland to take on the Timbers on September 10th. The Galaxy will look to continue their good play when they face Orlando City SC at home on September 11th. It will be a quick turnaround for both clubs.