Galaxy and Timbers fight to 2-2 draw

Carson, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Galaxy hosted the Portland Timbers on the 4th of July at the Stubhub Center with both teams tied for sixth place in the West. The Galaxy came into the game with a win against San Jose the previous week and were looking to continue their momentum.

Omar Gonzalez was treated to a standing ovation on his return from the World Cup by the 27,000 in attendance, but would not be in the lineup for this game. LA’s lineup still was formidable with Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane, Juninho, and Robbie Rogers all ready to do battle.

The game opened up with both teams sharing possession and the play moving back and forth on the pitch. In the 11th minute, Robbie Keane had a breakaway chance to score the first goal of the game, but ex-Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts stretched out to deny the shot.

In the 16th minute, the Galaxy were again attacking when the ball popped out to a charging Marcelo Sarvas. Sarvas immediately shot on goal from within the 18 yard box with Ricketts in no position to do anything about it. Unfortunately, the ball hit the far post and was inches from bouncing into goal.

As the first half continued, Portland started to create more of an offensive attack, but no scoring chances that would threaten the goal. However, in the 40th minute, Diego Valeri broke down the Galaxy defense with his play and crossed the ball right across goal, but no player from Portland was there to score.

In the 61st minute, Will Johnson of the Timbers took a free-kick from 30 yards out that Jaime Penedo was able to block and deflect out of bounds before a Portland player got to the ball.

The fireworks finally started in the 66th minute when Juninho played the ball into the box that ended up at the feet of Donovan. Donovan passed off to Sarvas, who netted the ball into the far corner of goal for a 1-0 lead.

The Galaxy lead was short-lived as Portland would equalize in the 68th minute when the Timbers crossed the ball into the box and the ball was headed down to the feet of Diego Valeri.  Valeri rifled home a goal for Portland.

The scoreboard continued to be lit up, as Portland scored once more in the 71st minute. Again, Diego Valeri found a loose ball that ended up at his feet and he scored to the near corner of goal from inside the box for a 2-1 Timbers lead with 20 minutes left to play.

In the 76th minute, Landon Donovan broke away from the Portland defense and was running at goal alone. Donovan was tackled from behind, but the referee inexplicably did not give out a red card as Galaxy coaches and players protested. Juninho stepped up for the free-kick, but his attempt was saved by Ricketts.

Following a throw-in from the Galaxy in the 85th minute, Baggio Husidic had an opportunity to put the ball on frame from within the 18-yard box, but his shot sailed over the goal.

The holiday fireworks continued in the 86th minute when Husidic crossed the ball in front of goal and the Timbers’ defense put the ball into the back of their own net that leveled the score 2-2.

The Galaxy threw everyone forward to win the game in the final minutes but could not find the winning goal as the game drew 2-2.

With the draw, the Galaxy are now 5-3-6 on the season.  LA will face off against Real Salt Lake at the Stubhub Center next Saturday, in another important Western Conference matchup.

Scoring Summary:
LA – Marcelo Sarvas 65’ (Assisted by Landon Donovan)
POR – Diego Valeri 67’ (Unassisted)
POR – Jorge Villafana 70’ (Unassisted)
LA – Rauwshan McKenzie (OG) 86’

By Brian Kowalski
Staff Reporter for TheDailySportsHerald.com