LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders FC settled for a hard-fought 1-1 draw on Saturday night at Dignity Health Sports Park, with Marco Reus’ first-half penalty cancelled out by Paul Arriola’s late equaliser.
The Galaxy appeared on course to protect a valuable home victory after Reus converted from the spot in the 44th minute. The German midfielder’s penalty gave the hosts a 1-0 half-time lead and reward for an assertive opening period in Carson.
Seattle, however, stayed in the contest and found their breakthrough in the 81st minute. Arriola, introduced from the bench, struck the equalising goal to bring the Sounders level and ensure the points were shared.
It was an even fixture by the numbers. Seattle held a slight edge in possession, 51.6% to 48.4%, and tested the Galaxy goalkeeper with eight shots on target from 17 attempts. The Galaxy produced 18 shots of their own, putting five on target, while also winning five corners to Seattle’s three.
The visitors’ late pressure came with a physical edge, as Seattle committed 15 fouls to the Galaxy’s nine. Peter Kingston was booked in the fifth minute of stoppage time and Hassani Dotson followed with a yellow card in the eighth minute of added time, but neither side could force a decisive second goal.
For LA Galaxy, the draw extends a recent run that now reads one win in five matches. Seattle also remain difficult to beat but are still searching for momentum, with their recent sequence featuring four draws in five fixtures.
The Galaxy return to action on Saturday, September 19, when they host Minnesota United FC. Seattle Sounders FC travel to face Colorado Rapids later that evening.
Goals
- LA Galaxy: Marco Reus 44′ (penalty)
- Seattle Sounders FC: Paul Arriola 81′
