Eastern Suburbs rescue point against Galaxy

DESPITE Galaxy’s early dominance, the resilient Eastern Suburbs came from behind to draw the match 2-2 courtesy of a Martin Bueno double in their group-A fixture in the Oceania Football Confederation Champions League at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday.
New Zealand’s Eastern Suburbs struggled early in the game as the Vanuatu outfit scored two goals to lead 2-0.
Galaxy’s first goal came from English import Terence Carter off an assist by Brazilian Roberson Ribeiro to lead 1-0 in the 16th minute.
Ribeiro then scored their second five minutes later off an assist by Eddison Stephen which saw them lead 2-0.
Eastern Suburbs responded two minutes from halftime following an infringement by Galaxy defenders on forward Adam Thurston which gave Bueno an opportunity to score off a penalty to go to the break trailing 1-2.
Both teams maintained their intensity in the second half, however, the momentum shifted in Eastern Suburbs’ favour when Stephen was given a red card for a reckless challenge in the 52nd minute.
With Galaxy down to 10 men, the New Zealand outfit kept them on the back foot throughout the remainder of the match.
Eastern Suburbs finally caught the Galaxy defence napping due to fatigue as Bueno completed his double of the match and fourth goal of the tournament to level the scores at 2-2 in the 92nd minute.
Galaxy now face Hekari United in a do-or-die match for the hosts on Saturday.
Eastern Suburbs face defending champions Hienghene Sport.