SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Carlos Vela scored in the first half for LAFC and Emanuel Reynoso scored the equalizer three minutes later as Minnesota United played the defending champions to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night.
Vela netted his eighth goal of the season, scoring unassisted in the 21st minute to give LAFC (10-6-7, 37 points) the lead. Reynoso scored the equalizer for Minnesota United (7-8-7, 28 points) three minutes later, taking a pass from Kervin Arriaga and finding the net for a fourth time this season.
Dayne St. Clair finished with one save for Minnesota, and John McCarthy saved two shots for LAFC, which is four points behind Western Conference leader St. Louis City (13-8-2, 41 points).
Minnesota is 1-0-4 all-time against LAFC at home after a fourth straight draw and is the only team LAFC has visited at least twice without earning a victory.
Minnesota came into the match having won two of its last three matches, both by three-goal margins. The club had two three-goal wins in its first 86 regular-season matches.
LAFC is 2-5-4 in its last 11 road matches in all competitions after a 5-1-6 streak away from home.
Minnesota improved to 25-4-7 when Reynoso has a goal contribution.
MLS play now halts for more than a month ahead of the Leagues Cup.