Democratic Republic of Congo striker Cédric Bakambu scored twice, including a stoppage-time penalty, to help San Diego fight back from two goals down and earn a 2-2 draw against Seattle Sounders in Major League Soccer.
The 35-year-old scored in the 60th minute before converting a penalty in the 90th minute plus six to secure a point for his side in a dramatic finish.
Bakambu’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award, his third such recognition this season.
The Congolese international finished with three shots on target from three attempts and received a rating of 8.5 out of 10 from statistics platform Sofascore.
His two goals also took his tally to five in eight MLS appearances for San Diego this season. He has additionally provided three assists in 384 minutes of playing time.
San Diego had been trailing 2-0 before Bakambu inspired their comeback, with his contribution proving decisive in preventing the home side from suffering defeat against Seattle.
The striker first reduced the deficit in the 60th minute, finishing a move after a team-mate had failed to convert a penalty. The goal gave San Diego a route back into the contest and set up a late push for an equaliser.
Bakambu then took responsibility from the spot in stoppage time, converting a penalty in the 90+6th minute to bring the score to 2-2 and complete his brace.
The late equaliser secured a valuable point for San Diego after they had faced the prospect of leaving the match empty-handed.
Bakambu’s contribution was particularly significant given the two-goal deficit his team had been attempting to overcome.
His latest display underlines his importance to San Diego’s attack, with the forward combining goalscoring and creativity during his appearances this season. Five goals and three assists in eight outings represent his contribution to the club’s campaign so far.
The Man of the Match award was another highlight of an impressive individual performance.
His perfect return of three shots on target from three attempts reflected his effectiveness in front of goal, while his late penalty ensured San Diego took something from the encounter.
Despite the comeback, San Diego remain 12th in the Western Conference standings with 35 points. They are ahead of Minnesota United, who have the same points total, on goal difference, with a five-goal advantage separating the two sides.
The draw therefore provided San Diego with a point but left them in 12th place in the conference table.
For Bakambu, the match offered another opportunity to demonstrate his value since joining the club.
The DR Congo international has contributed directly to San Diego’s attacking output through both goals and assists, and his performance against Seattle added to that record.
His ability to score in the closing stages proved crucial, as the converted penalty in the sixth minute of added time completed San Diego’s recovery from two goals behind.
While the result denied Seattle a victory, Bakambu’s brace ensured that San Diego avoided defeat in a match that appeared to be slipping away from them.
The Congolese striker’s two goals ultimately made the difference between a loss and a draw.
