RSL drops points to LA Galaxy, draws 2-2 after two-goal lead

Real Salt Lake surrendered a first-half, two-goal lead against LA Galaxy, drawing at home against an away side that had just lost to Vancouver Whitecaps in the same stadium.

The ninth minute saw RSL score the game’s opener when Albert Rusnak finished a smart spell of possession for RSL, finishing a shot from inside the box with a outstretched foot from an Aaron Herrera endline cut-back. It was a well-taken finish from Rusnak, who acted instinctively — earning his first run-of-play goal on the season.

Moments later, Damir Kreilach tried to replicate the play with Maikel Chang as provider, but the audacious effort to go up 2-0 was stopped.

Maikel Chang doubled the lead two two in the 25th minute with a nice solo goal, firing a low, driven shot from the top of the box to beat Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond. His celebration will garner plenty of attention, as he was handed a Cuba flag from the stands, with which he celebrated. Chang is, notably, a Cuban refugee, and he has been vocal on social media in support of protests in the nation.

Victor Vazquez brought the Galaxy within a goal, finishing a move that started with Pablo Ruiz losing out on a challenge in the midfield — a commonality to several of RSL’s conceded goals in recent weeks.

The 78th minute saw LA Galaxy level the match at 2-2, with Rayan Raveloson finishing a free header on a defensive breakdown from RSL. It provided a sense of commonality to the manner of concession.

With stoppage time under way, Anderson Julio carved out a rare second-half opportunity, sending a looping header from outside the box to the crossbar. The goalkeeper was certainly beaten on the play.