Galaxy Draw 0-0 With Rapids on Pride Night

By Shawn Medow
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Updated: June 22, 2016

On the third-annual Pride Night at the StubHub Center, the Los Angeles Galaxy drew 0-0 with the league-leading Colorado Rapids.

With 21,884 people in attendance, the Galaxy honored the LGBT community after the tragic killing of 49 people in an Orlando nightclub. Robbie Rogers, who is openly gay, did not feature in the match due to an ankle injury which he recently had surgery on.

LA Galaxy honor victims of Orlando massacre.

The Galaxy lined up for the second time in MLS since the international break, and were without captain Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes as both were still on international duty. Instead, the Galaxy lined up with Giovani Dos Santos up top alongside Jack McBean, who was given a short-term contract with the Galaxy first team from LA Galaxy II.

#LAGalaxy XI: Rowe; DLG, Steres, Van Damme, Romney; Boateng, De Jong, Husidic, Lletget; McBean, Dos Santos #LAvCOL pic.twitter.com/YtboQD0PCf

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) June 23, 2016

Steven Gerrard, Mike Magee and Alan Gordon all started on the bench for the clash with the Rapids.

The Galaxy lost its last game at Toronto FC, and looked to bounce back from the disappointing loss in Canada.

The Rapids started off with complete possession for the first three minutes of the match, but the Galaxy got hold of the ball and had an early corner kick that did not amount to anything. Nigel de Jong had the first attempt towards goal, but his 25-yard effort sailed over the crossbar.

In the 16th minute, Axel Sjoberg brought down McBean 10 yards into the Galaxy half and received the first yellow card of the match. Soon after that, the Galaxy attacked through Dos Santos, earning a corner which was headed over the bar by McBean three yards from goal.

Sebastian Lletget looked lively as the midfielder put on a dazzling show on the right flank after switching wings with Emmanuel Boateng. Along with Lletget, Dos Santos seemed to be everywhere in the attacking third as the Mexican international found openings around the Colorado box.

Brian Rowe was called into action in the 32nd minute after Marlon Hairston snuck in behind the Galaxy defense, but Rowe denied the forward with his shins. Rowe later denied a curling effort from Pappa, but the save on Hairston was far more impressive.

Brian Rowe with a big save on Hairston to keep the game level. #LAvCOL https://t.co/slqf3JcH1c

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 23, 2016

It was goalless at halftime with no real indication which team would score first. The Galaxy had the majority of the possession and attacks, but did not have a shot on target until a 20-yard header from De Jong in the 35th minute.

In the second half, the Galaxy got going quickly as McBean fired a left-footed volley from outside the box over the bar. Both sides played physically and committed several fouls that slowed the game down until referee Chris Penso issued a yellow card to Dennis Castillo.

Rowe made another stop on Hairston, who once again found himself in an ideal location to shoot, but the former UCLA goalkeeper denied him.

.@ROWE_BRIAN_: 💯💯💯 https://t.co/SOqw35NfmF #LAvCOL pic.twitter.com/c7H7Dy52NO

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) June 23, 2016

In the 62nd minute, the Galaxy made the first substitution of the match by bringing on Steven Gerrard for Baggio Husidic. Gerrard played just in front of De Jong, who was holding down the fort in midfield.

Steven Gerrard prepares to be subbed in.

Gerrard showed some youth in him after a surging run through the midfield before he was taken down by Michael Azira, who was booked. Gerrard took the subsequent free kick, but it trickled onto goal and was easily handled by Zac MacMath.

Boateng had one of the Galaxy’s best chances in the second half after a run by Lletget to the byline on the right, centered it to Boateng, but his shot was cleared off the line. De Jong had an effort from outside the box a few minutes later saved by MacMath.

Not long after, Colorado had a chance to attack as Kevin Doyle broke through and was fouled by Jelle van Damme, who was booked for the foul. AJ DeLaGarza was booked for dissent.

Alan Gordon entered the match in the 88th minute for Lletget in an attempt for the Galaxy to snag a late goal. Rowe was called into action again, making a save on Doyle from about eight yards out.

The Galaxy were unable to get a late goal in the two minutes of additional time, finishing the game with a 0-0 draw. Los Angeles will travel to the Bay Area to take on the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday at 7 p.m. PT.

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