LA Galaxy's nearly perfect night spoiled by Inter Miami's late equalizer

The LA Galaxy put up one of its most impressive defensive performances until Leo Messi put away a shot in stoppage time. The match also showed just how much upside there is for the club

Photo Credit: LA Galaxy

It was nearly the ideal start to the MLS season for the LA Galaxy until Lionel Messi scored minutes into stoppage time to rescue a point for the visitors in a 1-1 draw.

Dignity Health Sports Park came alive on Sunday night with 27,642 fans (Regular-Season Record Attendance) all around the grounds hours before kickoff. The atmosphere was electric at the start of the game as LA put its best foot forward.

The Galaxy outshot Miami 13-2 in the first half - Not to mention Riqui Puig had a penalty kick saved. Joseph Paintsil made his Galaxy debut, showing off his pace and dribbling skills. LA was the best team in the first half, limiting Miami to little moments of danger.

The second half saw Miami grow into the game more but LA continued to create chances. Dejan Joveljic scored in the 75th minute to cap off an excellent counter-attack and bring the home crowd.

The momentum changed as Mark Delgado was given a second yellow card and sent off following a questionable call that he brought down Sergio Busquets.

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Messi’s equalizer late in the match felt like a blow to the players and LA Galaxy fans. LA put on a good all-around performance but put their guard down at the worst time.

“'I’m really proud of the group. I look forward because I see what this team is capable of even on a night like tonight, and knowing the guys are still coming together and getting healthy and all that kind of stuff, I really am excited about the group we have,” said coach Greg Vanney following the match.

“I'm not one to back down”

Midfielder Edwin Cerrillo had the easier and hardest job on the night. When in possession, he didn’t have to worry about Messi our striker Luis Suarez pressing him or challenging him often. However, on defense, he dealt with Messi for the majority of the game as his role was to shield the backline.