Colorado Rapids vs. LA Galaxy, 2012 MLS: Final score 1-1, LA holds on to earn road draw

The LA Galaxy hoped to grab all three points on Sunday evening at Dicks Sporting Goods Park and keep pace with Real Salt Lake in the race for second in the Western Conference, but it was not to be. The Galaxy just were not at their best and the Colorado Rapids put in a good match in a fair 1-1 draw.

Marcelo Sarvas opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a rocket of a shot. After Robbie Keane's attempt was blocked, the ball fell to Sarvas, who ripped a shot with his first touch into the upper corner. Matt Pickens had no chance and LA was a goal up.

That lead would only last six minutes, though. Some quick play down the right free Martin Rivero, who fed Conor Casey before getting it back. Rivero then crossed for Jaime Castrillon, whose tidy finish found the net and got Colorado level.

The biggest concern for LA was the injury to A.J. DeLaGarza. The defender colliding with Omar Cummings and looked to get stepped on, sending him crumpling to the grass. He let the field on a stretcher and then was helped to the locker room, unable to put any weight on his left leg. He was be evaluated later this week, but the injury did not look good.

The Galaxy had to bring Tommy Meyer in to replace DeLaGarza and the rookie looked just fine, but the same could not be said of the LA midfield. The unit that had played so well in recent weeks spent a lot of time on their heels as Jeff Larentowicz and Hendry Thomas' physical play paid off. It also allowed Martin Rivero and Castrillon to get involved as the Rapids controlled the match in spurts.

It wasn't all bad for the Galaxy, though. They had their moments and most importantly, got David Beckham back from injury. His fitness is among the primary concerns for LA now and he got 90 minutes in. Plus, an away point is never too bad.

The draw keeps LA in third place in the West, two points back of Salt Lake. They are only one point ahead of Seattle now, who also have a match in hand.