Portland Vs. LA Galaxy Recap & Highlights: Late Header By Alan Gordon Secures Point For Galaxy [VIDEO]

PORTLAND – The Timbers thought they had beat the defending champions on Sunday. As the local lumberjack cut away at the victory log, fans celebrated in the stands after Fanendo Adi’s second goal of the game in the 90^th minute gave Portland the 2-1 lead.

The Galaxy had other ideas however and super-sub Alan Gordon headed home the equalizer in stoppage time to tie the game at 2-2 and steal a point away from the Timbers.

“It felt like a playoff goal,” said Gordon after the game.

Adi lie motionless on the pitch after the final whistle blew, head in his hands, stunned at the last second turn of events that lead to the draw. Gordon spoiled the party in Portland on a cold windy day in the Rose city.

“Give our team a lot of credit for coming back and getting that goal at the end,” said Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena. “The conditions weren’t great and I thought it took our team 30 minutes to get into the game the right way.”

The Timbers opened up the scoring in the 31^st minute when Fanendo Adi streaked past the Galaxy defense and blasted a shot to the bottom right corner of the net. Los Angeles thought Adi was offside, but the referee kept the flag down giving Portland the 1-0 lead.

Gyasi Zardes found the equalizer thanks to a beautiful cross by Jose Villarreal. Villarreal found Zardes right in front of the net and he was able to tap it past Timbers goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey for the goal. Villarreal now has a goal and an assist in his first two games as a full time starter for Los Angeles. It was Zardes first goal of the season.

Mika Vayrnen made his LA Galaxy debut after being signed earlier this month from Sweden. Vayrnen came on for Baggio Husidic in the 62^nd minute and helped solidify the midfield for LA.

Brian Rowe started in net for the Galaxy for the second consecutive game leading many to speculate as to the fate of Jaime Penedo, the Galaxy’s keeper all last season in their MLS Cup Championship run.

Galaxy head coach, Bruce Arena, cited “nagging injuries,” as to why Penedo has missed the last two games, but Penedo told UniMas that he was healthy and fit. Penedo’s contract runs til the end of this MLS season and has not been extended by the Galaxy yet. Rowe has played well in place of Pendedo and we might have a goal keeper battle on hand in the coming weeks.

Game Notes:
Mika Vayrynen made his debut with the Galaxy after he signed as a free agent from Sweden earlier this month. Varyrynen came in the game in 62^nd minute for Baggio Husidic.