LA Galaxy 2, Minnesota United 2 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

Ian Nicholas Quillen

Michael Boxall and Romario Ibarra each scored their first career MLS goals as Minnesota United twice came from a goal down to earn a 2-2 draw against the LA Galaxy at StubHub Center on Saturday evening.

The result marks just the fourth point the Loons have earned away from home this season as they begin a five-match road trip. Minnesota currently sit in eighth in the West, six points beneath the playoff line with 10 matches remaining.

Romain Alessandrini scored early for the fourth-place Galaxy, and Sebastian Lletget put LA in front again in the second half nine minutes after Boxall leveled for the first time.

But the Galaxy failed to build their lead on additional first-half chances, and were forced to split points despite outshooting the visitors 17-10 and leading 10-4 in efforts on target.

LA also played the last moments up a man after Minnesota's Francisco Calvo received his second yellow card in the 89th minute.

Goals

7' - LA - Romain Alessandrini | Watch
64' - MIN - Michael Boxall | Watch
73' - LA - Sebastian Lletget | Watch
84' - MIN - Romario Ibarra | Watch

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: Just as the Galaxy appeared to be nearing full health, both Alessandrini and Giovani dos Santos were forced out of Saturday's action by halftime with leg injuries. The timing is particularly poor considering LA play again Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Loons desperately need to improve upon their road form over the next few weeks to maintain playoff hopes. This might build some confidence to that end.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH: In a game that lacked direction at times, it was an incisive attack (with a Galaxy claim of potential offsides) that put Minnesota level for good. Ibson spotted Abu Danladi's run wide right, and Danladi's cross put Ibarra in perfect position to hammer his finish into the roof of the net.

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
didn't score in his return from suspension. But his play as a withdrawn forward in the first half gave Minnesota fits, led to an assist on Alessandrini's opener, and helped create a flurry of other chances his teammates should've finished. He also believed he'd induced
Miguel Ibarra
into a penalty-worthy foul at the death, but referee Baldomero Toledo declined to take a second look after consulting with VAR Rosendo Mendoza.