By RYAN TOLMICH
Just one week after scoring a game-winner against the Vancouver Whitecaps, it looked like Robbie Keane could repeat the feat once again — but alas, his Los Angeles Galaxy had to settle for a 2-2 draw Saturday in Vancouver.
With the score tied at one, Keane gave the Galaxy the lead in the 77th minute, giving Whitecaps supporters feelings of deja vu from last week’s matchup.
However, Kekuta Manneh ensured that the hosts would leave BC Place with a share of the points, as the Gambian forward struck from outside the box and forced the Galaxy to settle for a 2-2 draw.
It was Stefan Ishizaki who opened the scoring on the night for the Galaxy with a 38th minute header. The goal was a result of a Dan Gargan cross that found Baggio Husidic on the back post. Husidic headed it first time across the box to an open Ishizaki, whose powerful header found the lower right corner.
Darron Mattocks converted the host’s first equalizer of the day off of some lackluster Galaxy defending. Miscommunication between Leonardo and goalkeeper Jamie Peneda led to Mattocks pouncing on a loose ball to easily nod the game at one.
From there, it appeared Keane had added the winner late in the second half. A 77th minute cross from Omar Gonzalez found the head of substitute Rob Friend, who headed downwards into the path of the open Irishman. Keane slotted calmly, giving him his fourth goal on the year.
However, it was Manneh who played hero on the afternoon. The Whitecaps forward received the ball in the 86th minute just outside of the 18-yard box and struck a knuckling shot past Peneda and into the right side netting.
With the draw, the Whitecaps earn their 10th point of the season, while the Galaxy lurk slightly behind at nine with two games in hand. The Galaxy are now off until a May 3 clash with Colorado, while the Whitecaps head to Rio Tinto Stadium to take on Real Salt Lake next weekend.
Here are video highlights of the match:
