MLS: Los Angeles 1, Columbus 1 (tie)

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Robbie Keane scored a point-blank goal in the 64th minute Wednesday that lifted Los Angeles into a 1-1 tie with Columbus.

The Galaxy, having moved comfortably into a playoff position thanks to a late-season rush, improved to 5-1-2 in their last eight outings. Los Angeles is 11-12-4 for the campaign.

Jairo Arrieta tallied just after halftime for Columbus and the equalizer came thanks to strong work in midfield by Michael Stephens and Sean Franklin.

Stephens sent a long pass down the right sideline that Franklin took in stride. After sidestepping a defender, Franklin headed toward the penalty area and Columbus goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum inched away from the net to meet him.

Franklin suddenly rifled the ball across the penalty box and when Gruenebaum missed in his diving attempt to stop it, Keane was there to easily tap it in.

Columbus, at 9-8-5, is seven points out of an Eastern Conference playoff spot.