Cristian Espinoza’s late goal draws San Jose even with Galaxy

On Saturday in Stanford, California, Cristian Espinoza’s 81st-minute equalizer gave the San Jose Earthquakes a 2-2 tie with the visiting Los Angeles Galaxy.

Through 80 minutes, the Galaxy led 2-1 when the Earthquakes (7-7-7, 28 points) began to pile on the pressure. Espinoza set up two quality scoring chances with crosses, but he finished it himself with a drive from beyond the area that rebounded off LA defender Chris Mavinga and into the net.

Espinoza scored his ninth goal of the season, snapping a nine-match scoring drought in league action.

Both Raheem Edwards and Preston Judd scored to put LA ahead, but Jack Skahan and Espinoza equalized twice for San Jose.

Los Angeles (3-9-7, 16 points) appeared to have another chance to retake the lead in the 88th minute when San Jose defender Jonathan Mensah was penalised for a box foul. A penalty kick was awarded on the pitch, but it was later reversed after a video review.

The Galaxy have won four consecutive games to extend their unbeaten streak to five games (1-0-4).

The Earthquakes have lost their previous four (0-2-2) games.

The Galaxy’s opening goal was set up by Douglas Costa’s corner kick. Edwards headed in a corner at the near post in the 31st minute for his first goal of the season.

Skahan also scored his first goal of the 2023 season in the 42nd minute to tie the game for San Jose. Mavinga’s clearance attempt was intercepted in the box by Carlos Akapo, who crossed to Skahan in front for the one-touch goal.

Los Angeles reclaimed the lead two minutes after halftime. Judd completed off a wonderfully constructed passing play over the middle of the field with his team-leading third goal of the season.

Saturday’s encounter was the second of three California Clasico meetings between the two teams this season. On May 14, LA defeated the Earthquakes 2-1 at home.