LOS ANGELES (AP) — Carlos Vela scored his first goal at home and Los Angeles FC extended its unbeaten run to six matches Sunday night with a 2-2 draw against New York City FC.
Los Angeles (6-2-2, 20 points) is 2-0-2 at Banc of California Stadium and hasn’t lost since a 5-0 defeat April 7 at Atlanta United.
David Villa and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi each scored for New York City (6-2-3, 21 points), which is 0-2-2 in its last four road games while being outscored 11-4 in that span.
Tajouri-Shradi got a point for NYCFC with his 75th-minute equalizer on a sharp-angled shot from the edge of the 6-yard box. The equalizer came less than 10 minutes after Vela scored his sixth goal of the year from outside the 6-yard box in the 66th minute to give Los Angeles a 2-1 lead.
New York City had two quality chances to come away with the win. Los Angeles goalkeeper Tyler Miller blocked Jesus Medina’s shot with his face in the 77th minute, and Tyler Zimmerman deflected Jo Inge Berget’s shot just wide in the 81st.
Villa put New York City ahead 1-0 in the 13th minute with his 68th career MLS goal.
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A penalty kick was awarded following video review of a handball by midfielder Eduard Atuesta. Atuesta’s left arm was extended while defending a corner, which was immediately recognized by multiple New York City players, who swarmed around referee Chris Penso.
Villa took the PK but his shot to the right was saved by Miller. Villa then follow up the rebound and headed in his fifth goal of the season.
But Los Angeles tied it 1-1 in the 23rd minute on an own goal by Sebastien Ibeagha. Zimmerman headed a corner off Ibeagha and in past a diving Sean Johnson.