Rough Landon: Sporting KC draws Galaxy 2-2

Sporting KC dropped points once again today at the hands of Landon Donovan and the LA Galaxy. KC fought back into the lead after conceding early but was unable to earn the three points they desperately needed.

The moment of the match came in the 76’ minute. Just two minutes after coming on the field, none other than Landon Donovan would be the hero for the Galaxy. Much like their first goal, it was just too easy. Robbie Rogers had all the time in the world as he brought the ball into the box and simply tapped it over to Don-Ovan Donovan. The MLS legend had acres of space and calmly sent a precise ball around Melia into the corner of the net, leveling the match at 2-2. It was Landon’s first goal since coming out of retirement a couple of weeks ago, and it only took him a total of nine minutes over two appearances.

The story of the first half was much of the same we have seen from SKC this season. They dominated in possession and shots, but again had nothing to show for it. Jacob Peterson came close a couple times, Dom Dwyer had multiple chances that should have been finished, but KC couldn’t find a breakthrough in 14 first half shots. The Galaxy, on the other hand, was clinical. Alan Gordan headed home a cross from Emmanuel Boateng to give LA the 1-0 lead in the seventh minute. The goal was the only shot of the entire half for the visitors.

But Peter Vermes woke his team up, and just 5 minutes into the second half they were level. Dwyer took the ball at the top corner of the box in the 50’ minute. He curled in a ball for Peterson who was making a run at the back post. It was a perfect ball from Dwyer as Peterson ran right under it and headed it passed Brian Rowe to even the match at 1-1.

Sporting KC would take the lead in the 69’ minute after Benny Feilhaber caught the Galaxy defense sleeping with a quick restart. He sent Saad Abdul-Salaam down the right wing who fired it into the box on the ground. Dom was in the right spot at the right time and smashed it home with a defender dragging him down.

After Donovan brought the Galaxy level, Sporting KC continued to create the chances and rack up the shots but was unable to find the match winner. When it was all said and done KC had totaled 21 shots with just three of them on goal. By comparison Los Angeles put two of four shots on goal, and converted both into goals.

The Galaxy is a clinical team. Sporting Kansas City is not.

This result puts KC in sixth place, and the final playoff spot. They are just five points clear of Seattle and falling beneath the red line.

Next up the boys travel to California to take on the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, Sept. 24.