San Jose’s 20 shots earn a 2-2 draw after late comeback

Los Angeles FC strike first despite San Jose pressure

San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles FC drew 2-2 at Levi's Stadium in Major League Soccer's Regular Season Round 26. Los Angeles FC led 1-0 at half-time, but San Jose completed the comeback with a late equaliser.

The visitors took the lead in the 34th minute when Son Heung-Min finished a move assisted by M. Delgado. The goal came during a first half in which San Jose controlled much of the ball, yet Los Angeles FC protected its advantage. The match changed further three minutes later when A. Long received a red card, leaving Los Angeles FC with a numerical disadvantage for the remainder of the contest.

Two-goal lead disappears after the interval

Los Angeles FC extended its lead eight minutes after the restart. Son Heung-Min turned provider for D. Bouanga, who scored in the 53rd minute to make it 2-0. San Jose made two half-time substitutions, bringing on Vitor Costa for D. Munie and P. Judd for J. Ricketts, while Los Angeles FC replaced A. Sieb with Nkosi Tafari.

P. Judd pulled one goal back in the 70th minute. San Jose then completed the recovery in the 90th minute, when R. Roberts converted an assist from B. Leroux. P. Judd was booked in the 66th minute, followed by a yellow card for S. Palencia in the 75th. N. Tsakiris was also cautioned at the end of the match.

San Jose dominate the numbers but need a late rescue

The statistics showed a strong territorial advantage for San Jose. Bruce Arena's team held 69% possession, completed 553 of 633 passes and produced 20 shots, including eight on target. Los Angeles FC had 31% possession, 291 passes with 221 accurate, and only three shots, two of which were on target. San Jose also led 15-3 on corners and had 10 shots from inside the box to Los Angeles FC's one.

Those figures contrasted sharply with the scoreline for most of the match. Los Angeles FC's Hugo Lloris made seven saves and earned a 9.0 rating, the highest of the match, helping his side retain a two-goal advantage before San Jose's late surge. Son Heung-Min also stood out with a goal, an assist and a 7.9 rating.

Both teams add a point in the Western Conference

San Jose entered the match fourth with 41 points from 25 games, while Los Angeles FC were sixth with 40 points from 26. The draw gives San Jose 42 points from 26 matches and Los Angeles FC 41 from 27. San Jose's run of two successive wins ends with a draw, while Los Angeles FC follow four straight wins with a point away from home.