2:2 Los Angeles MetroStars Kirovski Jones Ibrahim Galvan Rey 06.04.05 · League

The MetroStars tied the Los Angeles Galaxy, 2:2, on a second-half goal by sub Sergio Galvan Rey. The match was played at a frantic pace, as the Metros were clearly the better side (although that does not really matter).

The MetroStars were forced to make some changes with Youri Djorkaeff's injury and Eddie Gaven's trip to the World Youth Championship. Mike Lisi came back to his spot in the midfield, with Mike Magee still starting, but now with more of a "Gaven" role. John Wolyniec, fresh off his goal at mid-week, got the start up front. Jeff Agoos, back from his injury, started in the center of the defense for Carlos Mendes.

The Metros broke through very early, in the 5th minute, off an Amado Guevara corner kick. LA's goalkeeper Kevin Hartman ran into his own man, and Abbe Ibrahim easily placed a header into the Galaxy net. About ten minutes later, Magee almost doubled the lead when a perfect Michael Bradley pass found him alone in the box. Unfortunately, Hartman came out to apply pressure, and Magee's chip went over the bar.

LA tied the game in the 19th minute, when Zach Wells brought down Cobi Jones in the box. Facing his third attempt in as many games, Wells guessed incorrectly for the second time in a row, and Jovan Kirovski knotted the score.

In the 25th minute, a long free kick by Guevara found Wolyniec in the ruckus inside LA's penalty area. The Metro forward redirected the ball, but it hit off the goalpost to preserve the score. Nine minutes later, the Galaxy took the lead after Tim Regan was caught ball-watching and missed a flying younger, prettier version of Whoopi Goldberg on the right flank. Wells has come out of the net and was caught in no-mans land, as Whoopi (or Cobi Jones for you soccer fans out there) easily slotted it into goal.

Ibrahim, who suffered a bruise on a harsh tackle late in the half, was replaced by Galvan Rey at the break. And it would be Galvan Rey who would play hero (how often have we ever said that), but not until a horrible missed foul call by the terrible-as-usual Abbe Okulaja in the 60th minute. Lisi was taken down in the box. Unfortunately, today penalties were only allowed for one side.

Galvan Rey got the goal in the 72nd minute, after two perfect passes to advance the ball forward, first by Magee, and then by Lisi. The much-maligned Argentine received the ball inside the box and placed a perfect chip into the right side of the net to tie the game.

Both teams, not satisfied with the draw, continue to press on, but it was for naught. The Metros especially seemed to throw everything at the Galaxy net, but that final shot was just not there. Amazingly, each team was whistled for ten offside calls. Nevertheless, a comeback tie and a three game unbeaten streak is not a result to sneeze at.

Lineup: Wells, Regan, Parke, Agoos, Leitch, Bradley, Lisi, Guevara, Magee, Wolyniec, Ibrahim. Subs: Galvan Rey.