Timbers Draw LA Galaxy 2-2 with 90th Minute Mayhem

Monday, March 16, 2015

Annie Ellison, GoLocalPDX Reporter

Timbers' Fanendo Adi celebrates after a goal to put Portland ahead 1-0 against the LA Galaxy March 15 at Providence Park. Photo: Lucia Martinez

An astounding final minute of play saw the Portland Timbers draw 2-2 against reigning MLS champs the LA Galaxy, as the rain drove down on Providence park Sunday afternoon.

Neither team wanted to go home with a single point, making for a gritty and crowd-pleasing end to the match. A goal in the 90th minute by Timbers’ Fanendo Adi with the score sitting at one apiece was answered by Galaxy alternate Alan Gordon for a 2-2 draw.

The Timbers, who entered the match 0-0-1, opened up the scoring in the 30th minute with Adi firing in a pass from Darlington Nagbe.

The Galaxy, coming in at 1-0-0 , did not see their first scoring chance until just before the 15 minute mark, which was followed up by a counter attack and rocket on Galaxy goalkeeper, Oregon native Brian Rowe.

Both teams took a few knocks throughout the match, with Timbers’ Diego Chara and Adi having words with umpire Hilario Grajeda.

Although Timbers defender Liam Ridgefield did yeoman’s service fending off Galaxy striker Gyasi Zardes for the better part of the game, the Timbers’ defense could only keep Zardes quiet for so long. Zardes put LA on the scoreboard, expertly finishing a cross from Jose Villareal in the 64th minute to tie the game at one apiece.

The Galaxy dug for another as subs and fouls slowed down the final 20 minutes. Galaxy midfielder Mike Vayrynen was handed a yellow card in the 79th minute.

Galaxy goalkeeper Rowe kept LA’s hopes alive with a well-read save in the final ten minutes of the match, sending the ball over the net. It came in answer to Timbers’ netminder Adam Kwarasey robbing Galaxy captain Robbie Keane waltzing into the six yard box in the first half.

Adi finished another feed from Nagbe in the 90th minute, putting the Timbers ahead 2-1, but Gordon rushed the net and hammered in another goal not 60 seconds later to tie the match at 2-2.

The Galaxy leave Rose City 1-0-1, while the Timbers sit at 0-0-2.