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CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy played Minnesota United FC to a 2-2 draw Saturday night at the StubHub Center. All eyes were on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as he entered the match only two goals away from a career 500 goals.
However, midfielder Romain Alessandrini opened the scoring for the Galaxy in the 7th minute with an assist from Ibrahimovic. Minnesota’s defense was ready for the challenge of defending against Ibrahimovic, and he was visibly frustrated the majority of the night due to lack of opportunities.
Alessandrini was subbed off in the 24th minute with a right leg injury. His reaction from the sideline suggested the injury was serious, but further tests are necessary to diagnose the severity and time he could potentially miss. Including Saturday’s match, Alessandrini has either scored or assisted in each of his last six matches, so his absence would definitely be felt.
Midfielder Giovani Dos Santos left the match at the half due to a left leg strain and was replaced by Sebastian Lletget. Dos Santos has been dealing with hamstring tightness through most of the season, and most recently missed the team’s Aug. 4 match against the Colorado Rapids. Lletget is also working his way back from injury and has seen a gradual increase in minutes since his high ankle sprain injury June 9 against Real Salt Lake.
Minnesota found a response to the Galaxy’s early goal with one of their own in the 64th minute. Michael Boxall slotted away a pass from Darwin Quintero. The visitors looked to take advantage of their momentum in the minutes that followed, but were not able to put another one away.
Lletget found the scoresheet for just the second time this season, putting the Galaxy ahead 2-1 after dribbling through the Minnesota defense and curling the ball past goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth.
Romario Ibarra tied it up once again for the Loons in the 84th minute, from a cross across the box from Danladi. They were, again, looking dangerous after scoring — until Calvo earned a second yellow card in the 89th minute, causing him to be ejected from the match.
Midfielder Emmanuel Boateng, who has provided a much needed spark for the Galaxy in key moments this season, subbed on for defender Ashley Cole in the 90th minute.
Both teams had chances during the five minutes of stoppage time, but neither team was able to secure the winning goal.
The Galaxy have a short break to recover from the frustrating draw before their next match Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET against the Colorado Rapids.