LA Galaxy 2, DC United 2 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

With Audi Field in sight, D.C. United closed its long road trip with a 2-2 draw against the LA Galaxy thanks to a late equalizer from forward Darren Mattocks.

Galaxy star Zlatan Ibrahimovic opened scoring early in the 5th minute with a quick volley past goalkeeper David Ousted. Former D.C. United midfielder Chris Pontius was quick to add a second for the Galaxy. Less than a minute later, United's Zoltan Stieber had an answer to bring United back within one goal.

After almost 45 minutes of back-and-fourth soccer, with plenty of offsides called, United completed the comeback after going down 2-0 early. Midfielder Paul Arriola gave a quick pass to Mattocks who shimmed his way through the Galaxy defense for the final score of the game.

Goals

5' - LA - Zlatan Ibrahimovic | Watch
25' - LA - Chris Pontius | Watch
26' - DC - Zoltan Stieber | Watch
85' - DC - Darren Mattocks | Watch

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: Just hold on, United is going home. After a long-awaited new stadium, Audi Field is finally ready for its first MLS game. Playing the majority of the season on the road, United return to D.C. with a record of (2-7-5). The slope is steep as United must win a majority of its 15 home games with just 20 matches left in the regular season run. United scored 17 goals in the last 8 games, but conceded 19. To help with the playoff push, United look to a deep midfield and star power from its news addition, Wayne Rooney.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH:
Mattocks called for the ball. With confidence, the forward dodged a line of Galaxy defenders to find United's late equalizer.

You're a bad, bad man, @DarrenMattocks. 👏#DCU | #LAvDC 2-2 pic.twitter.com/l6MzkqtIUr
— dcunited (@dcunited) July 5, 2018

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Mattocks had to prove himself after the Rooney announcement. His competition now includes the English national team's all-time leading scorer. With five goals in the last six games, Mattocks made it clear that he will not go quietly.

With his eighth goal of the year and a new season-high in goals, @DarrenMattocks is tonight's @Heineken Man of the Match. #DCU | #LAvDC pic.twitter.com/VFkQnjLf3N
— dcunited (@dcunited) July 5, 2018