Minnesota United 2-2 LA Galaxy: Garces rescues a point amid late drama

LA Galaxy came back twice to earn a point courtesy of a late goal from Carlos Garces, as the spoils were shared with Minnesota United in a 2-2 draw.

Kelvin Yeboah opened the scoring in the 18th minute as the striker tapped a rebound into an open net following John McCarthy’s parry.

The Galaxy responded well through Christian Ramirez, whose glanced header levelled the scores less than 10 minutes later at Allianz Field.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane had a golden chance just past the hour mark, but was denied by a sensational double save from McCarthy.

Minnesota were handed a huge chance to win it in the dying minutes as Maya Yoshida’s handball inside the box saw the hosts awarded a penalty. Yeboah made no mistake from 12 yards out, sliding his effort into the bottom corner.

But there was more late drama as the ball fell for Garces inside the box following a set-piece, with the Colombian slotting home from close range to salvage a draw for the struggling MLS Cup champions.

A hard fought battle in Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/3aoJ3IybAN

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 22, 2025

Data Debrief: Galaxy get lucky

The Galaxy earned their first point of the regular season last Sunday in a 1-1 with Portland, equalling their worst start to an MLS season (one point through four games in 2020).

And though the visitors outperformed their 0.80 expected goals, they can consider themselves fortunate to get a point, even if they did show great fighting spirit to twice come from behind.

Minnesota lacked a cutting edge and failed to convert many of their chances, evidenced by their xG of 3.33. They are now winless in four MLS games against the Galaxy.