An end-to-end first half gave way to a three-goal second half at the StubHub Center in Los Angeles as the LA Galaxy survived a late charge by Columbus Crew SC on Saturday. The Galaxy scored twice in four minutes to edge Crew SC, 2-1, despite a stoppage-time goal by forward Adam Jahn.
Both sides fielded makeshift lineups, testing their depth due to injuries and international duties. Crew SC was without All-Star Wil Trapp due to injury while Justin Meram, Harrison Afful, Tony Tchani and Rodrigo Saravia each earned international call-ups this week. Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter dressed only 17 players for the match.
Crew SC returned forward Ola Kamara and central defender Gaston Sauro — for the first time since May 21 — to the starting lineup, while Federico Higuain returned as a second-half substitute.
The Galaxy couldn't break through until the 78th minute, when substitute Baggio Husidic rifled a knuckling, top-corner shot from outside the 18-yard box to beat Steve Clark. The hosts doubled their lead just four minutes later when Robbie Rogers released Giovani dos Santos in on goal.
Jahn, another second-half substitute, entered in the 77th minute and cut into the Galaxy's lead in the 92nd minute. Kamara was side swiped inside the 6-yard box, winning a penalty kick that he lined up to take. The spot kick was saved, but Jahn followed in and bullied it into the back of the net for his second Black & Gold goal.
