CARSON >>It is never easy against the Colorado Rapids and the task is even more challenging when you’re missing a key piece to your attack as the Galaxy was Saturday night.

The Galaxy went to work against the Rapids at StubHub Center without the services of forward Robbie Keane (seven goals). Keane was reportedly sidelined with an orbital fracture suffered in his collision with New York Red Bull goalkeeper Luis Robles last Sunday.

Keane returned to practice late in the week and was also put through the league’s concussion protocol. Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said chances are “very good” that Keane plays next week.

Fortunately for the Galaxy, the goal did eventually come against the Rapids, although from an unexpected source in defender Daniel Steres.

Steres’ header on a Steven Gerrard corner kick in the 62nd minute trickled over the line and into the goal to help the Galaxy (9-3-11, 38 points) escape with a 1-1 draw in front of 25,667.

“I think our entire team had a good night tonight,” Arena said. “Story of the game, we didn’t finish our chances. It is game we could have scored certainly two goals, maybe three or four. We played well. Tim Howard came up with a few big saves, especially the one early on Gyasi (Zardes).

“A team like Colorado they’re a very good defensive team and they defend with eight, nine, 10 players the entire game and they’re not easy to breakdown, so when you get a chance, you have to finish it off.”

Colorado entered the game having allowed the fewest goals (19) this season, thanks in large part to the work of goalkeeper Howard, who was on top of his game throughout the night.

Without Keane, it was almost certain that the Galaxy would have a difficult time scoring.

The Galaxy created several chances early, but couldn’t solve Howard in goal.

The Rapids would finally opened the scoring in the 51st minute when Shkelzen Gashi unleashed a blast from approximately 20 yards out that froze goalkeeper Brian Rowe and settled into the net for the goal.

After that the Galaxy started pressing the action, eventually leading to Steres’ goal.

“Falling behind that team is certainly not a formula for winning,” Arena said. “So I give my guys credit for getting the goal and certainly pushing to get the second goal.”

The Galaxy then had a bit of scare in the 82nd minute when goalkeeper Brian Rowe had to be subbed off after he took an inadvertent knee to the head from teammate Nigel de Jong, who was tracking back to mark Colorado’s Kevin Doyle.

Rowe was replaced by Dan Kennedy.

Arena said that Rowe received some stitches. He will likely be put through the same concussion protocol as Keane.