Late Yamane Strike Denies Seattle Win as LA Galaxy Rally for 2–2 Draw

By Rene Vidal

The Seattle Sounders looked poised to claim all three points at home, but a late goal from Miki Yamane rescued the LA Galaxy in a thrilling 2–2 draw that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.

Bright Start for Seattle

The Sounders wasted little time imposing themselves on the match. In the 5th minute, Jesús Ferreira struck first, finishing coolly from the center of the box after clever link-up play involving Danny Musovski and Álex Roldán. The goal, with an xG of 25%, gave Seattle an early 1–0 cushion and energized the home crowd.

Seattle continued to press, and in the 41st minute doubled their lead. Danny Musovski turned provider into scorer, slotting home from close range (xG 96%) after a sequence started by Obed Vargas and Paul Rothrock. At 2–0, Seattle seemed in full control.

But LA Galaxy clawed their way back just before halftime. In the 44th minute, veteran defender Maya Yoshida rose highest in the box to head home a Diego Fagúndez corner, assisted by Joseph Paintsil. With an xG of 82%, it was a high-quality finish that trimmed Seattle’s lead to 2–1 heading into the break.

Galaxy Grow Into the Game

The second half began with the Galaxy finding more rhythm. Stefan Frei had to step up early, denying efforts from Elijah Wynder and Miguel Berry. Meanwhile, Seattle looked dangerous on the counter, with Musovski and Cristian Roldán testing Novak Micovic.

As the match wore on, Seattle had a flurry of chances to seal the result. Georgi Minoungou twice went close, while Albert Rusnák and Jordan Morris both forced Micovic into crucial late saves. Nouhou Tolo also saw a strong effort denied at the near post in the 89th minute.

Late Drama

Just when it seemed Seattle would hold on, the Galaxy broke through. In the 87th minute, Miki Yamane ghosted into the box and finished calmly with his right foot into the lower left corner (xG 63%). The goal came after patient buildup play involving Tucker Lepley and Mauricio Cuevas.

Seattle poured forward in stoppage time, with Rusnák, Morris, and Ragen all pushing for a winner, but Micovic and the Galaxy defense held firm.

Key Performers

• Miki Yamane (LA Galaxy): Delivered the decisive equalizer with composure late in the match.

• Maya Yoshida (LA Galaxy): Scored and commanded the defense, keeping Seattle from running away early.

• Jesús Ferreira (Seattle): Opened the scoring and worked tirelessly in buildup play.

• Novak Micovic (LA Galaxy): Made several vital saves in the closing minutes.

Final Thoughts

The 2–2 draw was a fair reflection of a match filled with momentum shifts. Seattle will feel frustrated after letting a two-goal lead slip, while the Galaxy showed resilience and quality in the decisive moments.

For the Sounders, the inability to finish late chances cost them dearly. For LA, the comeback keeps their momentum alive as they continue to push up the standings.

Final Score: Seattle Sounders FC 2–2 LA Galaxy