Sounders, Galaxy end in tie
Perk blocks Montero’s PK in the 18th minute
CARSON, Calif. – Brian Perk stopped a penalty kick in his Major League Soccer debut to help the Los Angeles Galaxy secure a scoreless draw against the Seattle Sounders on Monday night.
The Galaxy (9-2-9) extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games in front of a sellout crowd of 27,000. They lead the MLS with 36 points and haven’t lost since May 1.
Perk was in the lineup for the first time since being claimed off waivers last season from Philadelphia. He had only seen action in reserve matches and tournament play before the start.
“Tonight, he looked like a guy who has played before,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. “He’s a keeper we can put in there and know he can be successful.”
Perk was called into action with starter Donovan Ricketts out because of a broken left forearm and Josh Saunders serving a suspension. The second-year goalkeeper blocked Fredy Montero’s penalty shot in the 18th minute, diving to his right for his first career save.
The Sounders (8-4-8) had their three-game winning streak halted, but they matched a club record with their seventh straight game without a loss.
Juan Pablo Angel had a pair of chances from close range that could have put the Galaxy on top, including a shot in the 68th that hit the foot of the goalpost.
“A draw was probably a fair result,” Sounders goalie Kasey Keller said. “But at the same time, either team could have stolen it.”