Donovan helps Galaxy tie
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Landon Donovan scored a pair of goals for the Galaxy, but Shalrie Joseph’s first goal of the season helped the New England Revolution salvage a 2-2 tie Saturday night.
Joseph’s goal in the 71st minute helped New England (11-6-5) extend the Galaxy’s winless streak to 10 (0-5-5). The Revolution is unbeaten in its last nine matches (7-0-2) against the Galaxy, which brought David Beckham to New England for the first time.
Joseph, New England’s All-Star midfielder, took a pass from Michael Parkhurst and beat defenders Eddie Lewis and Sean Franklin before unleashing a low drive past Galaxy backup goalkeeper Josh Wicks.
Taylor Twellman gave New England a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute with his fifth goal in only eight matches this season.
Revolution midfielder Khano Smith curled a left-footed drive from the left wing into the penalty box area, where Twellman beat Galaxy defender Troy Roberts to open space and then got his head onto the ball while crashing into Galaxy goalkeeper Steve Cronin.
The Galaxy (6-9-7) tied it 12 minutes later on the 15th goal of the season for Donovan, who converted a cross from Peter Vagenas after beating New England defenders Gabriel Badilla and Parkhurst.
Donovan made a similar move for his MLS-best 16th goal to put the Galaxy ahead in the 55th minute. He sped past Parkhurst and Badilla, taking a through ball from Lewis and beating New England goalkeeper Matt Reis.
New England was without playmaking midfielder and leading scorer Steve Ralston, who was sidelined because of back spasms.
The Revolution, utilizing a four-man defensive backline instead of its customary three-man unit, was also without strikers Adam Cristman (turf toe) and Kheli Dube (groin strain).
Beckham, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, was held scoreless. He entered the game with five goals and eight assists for the Galaxy.