The LA Galaxy bounced back from midweek disappointment in the U.S. Open Cup with a 1-1 draw with the Colorado Rapids in MLS regular season play at the StubHub Center on Saturday.
The Rapids, meanwhile, remain within touching distance of Supporters' Shield leaders FC Dallas, just three points back after Dallas also notched a draw on Saturday.
The game, a battle between two presumed Western Conference playoff teams, was scoreless through the first half and largely dominated by defensive play, although each side found a breakthrough in the second half.
But the hosts came back to tie up the game 11 minutes later, as Steven Gerrard's corner kick was headed on target by Daniel Steres.
A scary moment came in the final 10 minutes, as Rowe took an apparent knock to the head with Nigel de Jong and Kevin Doyle converging on him, and needed several minutes of medical attention before he was substituted out of the game for Dan Kennedy.
Box Score
- 51' – COL – Shkelzen Gashii (Marlon Hairston's)
- 62' – LA – Daniel Steres (Steven Gerrard)
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Three Things
- TURNING THE PAGE ON OPEN CUP EXIT? The Galaxy lost in heartbreaking fashion to crash out of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, conceding twice in the final minutes in an extra-time loss at home to FC Dallas. And while they couldn't manage a win in the game against the Rapids, battling back for a draw is a good way to move on from a pretty devastating defeat. Plus, the Galaxy's set-piece defense held firm on Saturday night, something that sunk their Open Cup final hopes midweek.
- HOWARD COMES UP BIG: The Galaxy would have likely run away with the game had it not been for Howard, who recorded five saves on the night, including a few that were truly top-class. While the Rapids could not hang on for the win, the overall context of the game makes the draw a good result and helps them lead all of MLS in points per game.
- INJURY CONCERNS FOR LA: Robbie Keane sat out this match due to a facial fracture, according to LA Galaxy Insider Adam Serrano. While Serrano notes that Keane could be back as soon as next week, his health and the status of Rowe, potentially, moving forward is a likely concern for the coming week. LA has plenty of depth up top and in net, but the uncertainty surrounding the status of two key starters, ahead of a cross-country trip to NYCFC next weekend, could impact LA's preparations during the week.
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