MLS: LA Galaxy 1 New England Revolution 1

The New England Revolution held on for a 1-1 draw at the Los Angeles Galaxy in wet and wild conditions at the Home Depot Center on Sunday.

Grenadian midfielder Shalrie Joseph continued where he left off last season with a goal in the third minute for the Revolution, but Brazilian playmaker Juninho came to Galaxy’s rescue with an equaliser on 39 minutes.

Former New York Red Bulls striker Juan Pablo Angel made his Galaxy debut as a second-half substitute but failed to lift the home side, who nevertheless move to the top of the MLS table.

Joseph’s early strike owed much to a clever cross by Marko Perovic, who latched onto a rebound off his own corner kick and whipped the ball to his team-mate at the far post for a neat header.

Juninho, who scored the only goal in Los Angeles’ season-opening win over the Seattle Sounders on Tuesday, had a goal disallowed in the 17th minute after being fouled for goalkeeper interference against Revs custodian Matt Reis.

But the Brazilian would have the last laugh, blasting into the net from 20 yards out after a botched clearance by AJ Soares.

Juninho has already matched his goal tally from his debut season last year, in which the midfielder managed just two goals in 25 games.

The introduction of Angel and Paolo Cardozo threatened to turn the game in the Galaxy’s favour in the second half, but the rain and wind increased as time wore on and made chances scarce for both sides.