2:2 Los Angeles MetroStars Gomez Jones Moreno Droze 03.03.03 · Preseason

The MetroStars and the Los Angeles Galaxy played to a 2-2 draw this afternoon in a scrimmage played at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale.

The MetroStars took control early and scored in the seventh minute on a Jaime Moreno header that hit the crossbar and bounced in for the first score. Torres Mestre sent a high cross off a corner kick into the box that rookie Tim Regan managed to deflect towards Moreno for the opening score.

Both sides played the remaining first half scoreless with Jaime Moreno, Jim Rooney, and Galaxy midfielder Jesus Ochoa all receiving a yellow card.

The second half, which forced the players to play through heavy rain showers, began with the MetroStars making major substitutions as head coach Bob Bradley allowed many players in preseason camp the chance to play.

The Galaxy tied the game in the 56th minute when striker Hercules Gomez evaded charging goalkeeper Paul Grafer and scored from a very tight angle to put them up on the board for the first time.

The MetroStars had a chance to go quickly back on top in the 68th minute, but defender Isaias Bardales, Jr. knocked away a scoring opportunity from Chris Sanje, after rookie midfielder Jacob LeBlanc slotted a pass near the penalty spot.

They did score the go ahead goal six minutes later when Jeff Moore sent a pass from the right side of the box to Derk Droze, who fired a shot that eventually deflected off Alexi Lalas and over defender Dan Popik's head for the second goal.

The Galaxy were awarded a penalty kick in the 80th minute, but Paul Grafer stopped Mauricio Cienfuegos from the penalty spot.

However, the Galaxy received a questionable penalty kick opportunity in the waning moments of the game after guest player Morris Paniello was called for a foul on Gavin Glinton in the box. Cobi Jones, a second half substitute, put the ball away to the high right of the goal to tie the scrimmage Monday afternoon for a 2-2 draw.