The hard work and pressure from Sebastian Lletget paid off with a Portland own goal! (Photo by Duane Barker)
By Tim Peterson
(Carson) – Portland’s Nat Borchers accidentally headed a cross into the back of his own net late in the second half and the Galaxy escaped with a 1-1 tie Sunday night before a sold out StubHub Center crowd of 25,667.
The teams were locked in a scoreless tie at the half but the Timbers untied it in the 52nd minute when Fanendi Adi fired a shot by Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe for a 1-0 lead. Lucas Melano fed Adi with the pass that set it up.
Gyasi Zardes getting in time up front for the inured Robbie Keane. (Photo by Duane Barker)
Then Borchers own goal came in the 85th minute. Initially the scoreboard operators gave credit to Gyasi Zardes for the goal but that was quickly corrected when it was clear that Borchers headed it in.
The Galaxy had their chances throughout the contest but couldn’t find the net.
Zardes got off a shot in the 13th minute from the left side but it was saved by Portland keeper Adam Larsen-Kwarasey. Zardes had another shot on goal four minutes later but that one sailed high. LA was without Robbie Rogers for most of the game as he left early in the first half and was replaced by Rafael Garcia.
Baggio Husidic fired a cross that Zardes couldn’t get to but Mike Magee could however his boot was high and over the bar in the 32nd minute. The pass just missed Zardes in the middle for what could have been a point blank blast.
There was one minute of additional time in the first half.
After Adi’s goal Mike Magee had a great opportunity for LA in front of the net but misfired in the 58th minute.
In the 73rd Nigel de Jong received a yellow card for a challenge on Darlington Nagbe who went down. Galaxy coach Bruce Arena argued the call and some pushing and shoving ensued.
In the 85th minute the Galaxy got the gift courtesy of Borchers. Five minutes of extra time were added in the second half but neither team could take advantage.
The Galaxy is now 2-1-3 while the tie left the Timbers at 1-2-2.
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