Cristian Espinoza's late goal draws San Jose even with Galaxy
Cristian Espinoza's 81st-minute equalizer gave the San Jose Earthquakes a 2-2 draw with the visiting Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday in Stanford, Cal.
The Galaxy held a 2-1 lead through 80 minutes before the Earthquakes (7-7-7, 28 points) started to pour on the pressure. Espinoza twice set up a pair of quality scoring chances with crosses but then found the finish himself, taking a shot from outside the box that deflected off LA defender Chris Mavinga and into the net.
It was the ninth goal of the season for Espinoza, ending a personal nine-match scoring drought in league play.
Raheem Edwards and Preston Judd both scored to put LA ahead, but San Jose equalized twice on goals from Jack Skahan and Espinoza.
Los Angeles (3-9-7, 16 points) seemingly had another chance to regain the lead in the 88th minute when San Jose defender Jonathan Mensah was called for a foul in the box. A penalty kick was awarded on the field, but then taken away from the Galaxy after a further video review.
The Galaxy have recorded four consecutive draws as part of a five-match (1-0-4) unbeaten streak.
The Earthquakes are winless in their last four (0-2-2) matches.
Douglas Costa's corner kick set up the Galaxy's first goal. In the 31st minute, the corner was headed by Edwards at the near post for the defender's first tally of the season.
Skahan also collected his first goal of the 2023 campaign to equalize for San Jose in the 42nd minute. Mavinga made a poor clearance attempt that was intercepted by Carlos Akapo in the box, and Akapo crossed to Skahan in front for the one-touch goal.
Los Angeles regained the lead just two minutes after the halftime break. A nicely built passing play up the middle of the field was finished off by Judd with his team-leading third goal of the season.
Saturday marked was the second of three California Clasico matches between the two rivals this season. LA earned a 2-1 home win over the Earthquakes on May 14.
--Field Level Media
