Sandy, Utah – In miraculous fashion, LA Galaxy II came back from 3-0 down with ten minutes remaining to steal a point from Real Monarchs. This draw also extends their unbeaten streak to three games now after winning the first two of the season. However, since Galaxy II dropped points tonight, they are no longer occupying the top spot as Whitecaps 2 won their third match in a row.
Ethan Zubak scored in the 81st minute before Ryo Fujii and Jack McBean completed the comeback scoring their goals in the 88th and 90th minutes respectively.
The first goal was well worked. Alejandro Covarrubias whipped a cross towards the run of Zubak who simply put his foot out to get a touch on the ball to redirect it past the Monarchs goalkeeper. At the time, it looked as if this goal was going to be a mere consolation, but that was not the case.
With two minutes remaining, the Galaxy made things more interesting. Bryam Rebellon cut a pass back towards the middle of the area from the left towards Jack McBean. The big striker could not get a touch on it as two Monarch defenders got in his way. But luckily, Fujii made an aggressive run in the box and bounced his shot into the right part of the goal to cut the lead to only one.
Then, a little over a minute later, a penalty was awarded to the Los Angeles Galaxy. This came after a defender got a hand on the ball bouncing away from danger. Jack McBean stepped up to the spot, and stuttered before sending the ‘keeper the wrong way.
For the better part of the match, though, it looked as if Real were going to run away with the three points. It started when they scored 21 minutes into the night. The move started off a short corner as Tyler Arnone had tons of space from a ways away and lined up a shot which ended up beating Bennett Sneddon. The goal may have been a bit soft as it came from 30 yards away. But the Galaxy ‘keeper did not have a clear sight on the shot as traffic from the corner was in front of him.
Before the half hour mark, the Monarchs found the net for the second time this match. This goal also involved a bit of luck for the hosts getting some help from LA goalkeeper Sneddon. Maikon Orellana made a nice individual run with the ball to get into the eighteen yard box. He had a go from just inside the box and Sneddon managed to parry the shot. But the ball deflected straight into the air and bounced behind him and into the net.
A third goal found the back of the net before the halftime whistle for the home team. Orellana was the architect of the goal again, getting an assist this time around. Once the El Salvadorian was around the penalty box, he whipped a low ball towards the near post. Inside the box, Colin Rolfe made a superb run to beat his marker and tap the cross in behind Sneddon.
The draw showed what kind of character this side has. They knew that, even with not much time left, they had the ability to still get something out of nothing. Knowing this will help them for the rest of their season, especially when the playoffs loom ever closer.