Major League Soccer
CF Montreal and LA Galaxy battle to 2-2 draw in Montréal stalemate
Dylan Rios and Raheem Roseaux struck early as both sides split points at Saputo Stadium.
CF Montreal and the LA Galaxy played out a 2-2 draw at Saputo Stadium in Montréal, with both sides scoring twice in a match that swung momentum repeatedly. The hosts got off to a dream start in the 16th minute when D. Rios slotted home to give CF Montréal the lead. Just three minutes later, the visitors responded as R. Ramos equalized for LA Galaxy, setting up a tense and even contest heading into halftime with the score level at 1-1. The second half opened with drama as M. Yoshida restored LA Galaxy's advantage in the 48th minute, with J. Paintsil providing the assist. CF Montréal showed resilience and pulled one back in the 79th minute through P. Owusu, who converted from L. Petrasso's delivery to make it 2-2. The closing stages saw both sides push for a winner, with tempers flaring as B. Craig picked up a yellow card for CF Montréal in the 67th minute. Things boiled over in the 68th minute when LA Galaxy's J. Marcinkowski was shown a straight red card, leaving his side to finish the match with ten men. Despite being a player down, LA Galaxy nearly held on, but B. Ceballos was booked for CF Montréal in stoppage time as the hosts pushed forward in search of a late winner. The result leaves CF Montréal in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with 21 points from 21 games, while LA Galaxy sit 10th in the Western Conference with 26 points from 22 matches. Referee Lorenzo Hernandez of the United States oversaw a physical contest that ultimately ended in shared points for both sides.