MidValleySports.Com

By Tim Peterson
(Carson) – The Galaxy scored early in the second half but Chicago scored late as the teams battled to a 1-1 draw in a friendly Saturday before 12,782 at Dignity Health Sports Park.

The Galaxy looked like they were on their way to a 1-0 victory when Sacha Kljestan scored in the 54th minute after a scoreless first half. But the Fire got even in the 84th minute and they had to settle for a tie.

The Galaxy threatened in the 20th minute when Cristian Pavon set up Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez on the right side of the goal but his shot was saved by Chicago’s Kenneth Kromholm.

In the 27th minute Djordje Mihailovic’s blast for the Fire was stopped by David Bingham. Robert Beric took control and took a shot on goal but Rolf Feltsher made a sliding block for the Galaxy.

Mihailovic had another opportunity in the 44th minute but his kick in front of the box flew high over the net and the teams went into the half with zeroes on the board.

The Galaxy finally broke through in the second half. After a rebound was batted back and forth between Chicahrito and Kljestan, Klejestan punched it into the back of the net to put LA up 1-0 in the 54th minute.

Four minutes later Aleksander Katai’s header off of Pavon’s pass just missed. In the 69th minute Emil Cuello, who replaced Katai, got by the Chicago defense and tried to hit Chicharito on the run on the right wing but Kronholm came out to meet the ball and Chicharito at the same time and was able to stop the threat.

Then in the 84th minute Michael Azira tied it for Chicago with a drive past Bingham. It appeared the Fire may have been offside on the play but the goal was allowed.

Two minutes later Chicharito was pulled down by his shirt in front of the net but there was no call.

Two minutes of additional time were added but neither team could break the tie.

The Galaxy, now 0-1-1 in the preseason will open the season next Saturday at Houston. Their home opener is Saturday March 7th against Vancouver.