CARSON, CA - The Los Angeles Galaxy reserves (1-1-1, 4 pts.) played to a 1-1 draw versus D.C. United Reserves (1-0-2, 5 pts.) on Sunday morning at The Home Depot Center on the Campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills. Forward Robbie Findley opened the scoring for Los Angeles, but the lead was short lived as United midfielder Rod Dyachenko tied the match up less than a minute later. Findley and Dyachenko's strikes would prove to be the only goals in a tightly contested match.
In the 2nd minute, United nearly opened their account with an early goal as Kasali Casal's cross found the head of Brad North inside the box for a flashing header. However, Galaxy goalkeeper Lance Friesz was up to the challenge touching the header out of danger and over the cross bar.
United continued to pressure the Galaxy defense early creating several dangerous chances including a flurry in the 15th minute that was capped off by a open header from United forward Nick Adderly that went just wide of the left post.
In the 25th minute, Los Angeles took advantage of a United turnover and capitalized on a quick countered attack to go ahead 1-0. Galaxy midfielder Kyle Martino fired a low 30-yard pass up the middle, splitting United's defense to find a streaking Findley. The former Oregon State standout out ran two defenders before finishing a low shot past United goalkeeper Jay Nolly.
Less than a minute later, United equalized as Brad North beat his defender and got behind the Galaxy defense on the right wing. Dribbling into the edge of the box, North laid a pass back to the top of the box for a late arriving Dyachenko to bury in the lower right corner, tying the game at 1-1.
In the second half, tempers flared as the Galaxy and United battled back and forth testing each other's defenses, but both sides were unable to break through despite several dangerous opportunities.
Challenging for a header at midfield, Galaxy midfielder Johnny Bravo and United forward Nick Adderly knocked heads with each drawing blood and needing to come off for medical attention. However, both players were treated and returned to finish the match.
Upset with an earlier foul that was not called, United's Jeff Carroll and the Galaxy's Bravo had a brief pushing match off the ball that was not caught by the referee. After consulting with the fourth official, who had seen the incident, the referee issued Carroll a red card for violent conduct in the 60th minute.
The Galaxy's best opportunity of the second half came from midfielder Mike Randolph. Substitute Jason Boyce broke through the defense at midfield and dribbled up the middle of the park before playing a ball wide for Randolph, who fired a low shot forcing a diving save from United keeper Jay Nolly.
Meanwhile, United best chance came from a nice combination between Justin Moose and North, but his shot was saved by a Galaxy goalkeeper Steve Cronin.
Despite the man advantage, Los Angeles was unable to score the go ahead goal and United would hold on for their second tie of the weekend in Carson.
Scoring Summary:
LA - Robbie Findley (Kyle Martino) 25'
DC - Rod Dyachenko (Brad North) 26'
Los Angeles Galaxy - Lance Friesz (Steve Cronin 46), Andy O'Shay, Gordon Kljestan, Taylor Cancel, Josh Tudela, Kyle Martino (Jason Boyce 58), Wilmer Lopez, Mike Randolph, Johnny Bravo, Mike Caso, Robbie Findley (Ty Harden 83).
SUBS NOT USED: Nate Jaqua, Santino Quaranta, Nathan Sturgis.
D.C. United - Jay Nolly, Stephen deRoux, Marc Burch, Devon McTavish, Jeff Carroll, Justin Moose, Rod Dyachenko, Kasali Yinka Casal (Eric Solomon 76), Brad North, Nick Adderly, Guy Kpene (Dominic Mediate 27).
SUBS NOT USED: Shawn Crowe.
Misconduct Summary:
LA - Martino (yellow) 29
LA - Mike Caso (yellow) 50
DC - Jeff Carroll (red) 60
LA - Jason Boyce (yellow) 70
DC - March Burch (yellow) 70
DC - Justin Moose (yellow) 73
Referee: Matthew Kreitzer; Referee's Assistants: Jesus Cisneros, Modesto Guillen; 4th Official: Andrew Nguyen.
Attendance: 125; Weather: Overcast, 63 degrees.
