CF Montréal battled back for a deserved 2-2 draw against LA Galaxy at Stade Saputo on Saturday, with Prince Owusu’s 79th-minute header ensuring the hosts made their pressure count against 10 men.
The match began at a lively pace and Montréal struck first in the 16th minute through Daniel Ríos. LA Galaxy responded quickly, however, as Ruben Ramos levelled the contest in the 19th minute to send the sides into half-time at 1-1.
Galaxy emerged from the interval with purpose and took the lead three minutes into the second half. Veteran defender Maya Yoshida found the net in the 48th minute, putting the visitors in front despite Montréal having enjoyed more of the ball.
The fixture swung again in the 68th minute when Galaxy goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski was shown a red card. Montréal pressed relentlessly thereafter, using their territorial advantage and sustained set-piece threat to force the issue.
That pressure finally told in the 79th minute, when Owusu rose to head home and bring Montréal level. It was a crucial response from the home side, who finished with 57.1 percent possession, 15 shots and six efforts on target to Galaxy’s nine shots and five on target.
Neither side could find a late winner during nine minutes of added time, but Montréal will take encouragement from their recovery and their ability to turn pressure into a point. CF Montréal next face Inter Miami CF on Saturday, August 29, while LA Galaxy return home to meet San Diego FC the same day.
Goals: Daniel Ríos 16′, Ruben Ramos 19′, Maya Yoshida 48′, Prince Owusu 79′.
