D.C. United (3-19-6, 15 points) played to a dramatic 2-2 draw with the two-time defending MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy (13-10-5, 44 points) Sept. 14 at RFK Stadium.
The visiting Galaxy went ahead on two separate occasions, with a goal from Robbie Keane in the first half and the second from Michael Stephens late in the second half.
United answered back on both occasions, with Chris Pontius scoring his first league goal this season, in his first start since July. Kyle Porter headed in the second goal just minutes before the final whistle.
Things didn’t look good for the black-and-red as the game started, with Galaxy duo Landon Donovan and Keane combining dangerously in the D.C. United half without much disruption from the defense.
In the 7th minute, Donovan found Keane in the box with a clever back-heel pass and the Ireland international slotted home his 13th goal of the 2013 MLS campaign.
As the first half progressed, the Galaxy attack cooled down and D.C. United gradually built up the pressure and went forward.
In the 39th minute, after Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez fumbled a goal-kick from D.C.’s Bill Hamid. United’s Pontius stole the ball and with only the keeper to beat, brought United back to level terms going into the second half.
Following the restart, both teams threatened to go ahead in the second half, with intense back-and-forth play.
In the 81st minute, the Galaxy went ahead for the second time when Keane found midfielder Stephens, who shot the ball into the bottom corner of Bill Hamid’s net from about 20 yards out.
D.C. United equalized three minute later.
In the 84th minute, United defensive midfielder Perry Kitchen sent a cross into the box, to which second half substitute Kyle Porter evaded his defenders and headed into the back of the net.
United will go back on the road for their next match, traveling to New England to face the Revolution Sept. 21 at Gillette Stadium.
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