Los Angeles Galaxy were denied the chance to close the gap on Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps after drawing 1-1 with New York Red Bulls.

The MLS champions took the lead after nine minutes at Red Bull Arena when Stefan Ishizaki teed up Bradford Jamieson, who tucked his effort beyond the reach of Luis Robles.

Galaxy almost added a second on 38 minutes after Gyasi Zardes crossed for Alan Gordon, who fired wide of the New York goal.

The hosts' best chance to level the game before half time came when Lloyd Sam dragged a shot wide of Jaime Penedo's left-hand post.

However, they scored an equaliser just before the hour mark as Felipe netted his second of the season.

Los Angeles continued to threaten in attack and almost restored their lead after Baggio Husidic's strike from distance was only inches away from finding the back of the net.

With 16 minutes left, Bradley Wright-Phillips went close to putting the Red Bulls in front as his well-struck shot seemed destined for the top corner, but was tipped away by Penedo.

As the game opened up in the dying minutes, Dax McCarty escaped a second yellow card for a flying tackle on Juninho on the edge of the area.

In the end, both sides were forced to settle for a point, which leaves the Red Bulls two points off the top in the East while Los Angeles trail Western Conference pacesetters Vancouver by four points.