LAFC VS. LA GALAXY MLS MATCHWEEK 26

One of Los Angeles’ biggest sports rivalries took center stage once again at BMO Stadium this weekend. LAFC hosted LA Galaxy for their MLS matchup, and if there’s anything fans know about this rivalry, it’s that no matter what form each side is in, both teams are always ready to battle it out and show up for their city. Although LA Galaxy has had a rough season despite being the reigning champions, LAFC is on a mission to bounce back from their Club World Cup run. Even with Galaxy star Riqui Puig still out injured, players like Marco Reus, Pec, and Paintsil looked to carry Galaxy’s offensive line forward. With LAFC hosting the match, star forward Denis Bouanga aimed to do what he does best—score in big games, especially at El Tráfico at BMO Stadium.

Once the ball was kicked off, both sides seemed to be feeling each other out, trying to determine who would stay defensive and who would strike first. But it didn’t take long for the game to shift into classic El Tráfico fashion. In the 25th minute, Denis Bouanga found a great opening down the left side where Hollingshead delivered a perfect through ball. Bouanga adjusted his body quickly and buried it in the bottom right corner of the net. This opening goal set the tone for LAFC, and both teams now knew what they were in for. Just five minutes later, LAFC’s Delgado found another gap down the left side, sending Ordaz flying down the line. Ordaz took a touch and crossed it in for LAFC’s newest DP signing from América FC, Javairô Dilrosun, who smashed it into the top right corner. LAFC were up 2-0 in the first half-hour, leaving LA Galaxy in a moment of crisis. It was clear they needed to change the game’s tempo—and fast.

Two minutes later, Paintsil took matters into his own hands, challenging LAFC keeper Hugo Lloris from outside the box and injecting life into Galaxy’s attack. That led to a corner kick, which found its way to Pec on the right side of the field. He headed it into the center of the box, where Hollingshead was called for a handball. There was no question—a penalty had to be awarded. Brazilian winger Pec stepped up and slotted it into the bottom left corner. The goal was massive. The entire momentum shifted as the stadium fell quiet and Galaxy’s players entered halftime with a renewed mindset.

As both teams opened the second half aggressively, LA Galaxy built a stronger passing rhythm, trying to create chances in LAFC’s box. But a careless turnover led to a quick transition: Bouanga received the ball, played a one-two with Ordaz, and found himself on a breakaway with defenders chasing behind him. As soon as fans saw the run developing, it felt inevitable—Bouanga netted his brace with a smooth one-on-one finish, making it 3-1. It felt written in the stars that Bouanga would finish the match with a hat trick, and Galaxy had no answers unless something shifted.

If there’s one thing soccer fans know, it’s that the last 10 minutes are always unpredictable—and a two-goal lead is the most dangerous score in the sport. Galaxy’s front three—Paintsil, Reus, and Pec—gained rhythm around the 78th minute, knocking the ball around until Reus placed a perfect cross at Pec’s feet, allowing him to net his second of the night and bring Galaxy within one. With Bouanga and Pec both scoring twice, the question of LA’s top goal scorer was now front and center. Then came a pivotal moment in the 85th minute: Bouanga was subbed off. Though LAFC still led, removing their star player changed the tone. The team stopped attacking and absorbed pressure, relying on Lloris’ years of experience, which paid off—for a while. He made several critical saves before tension boiled over. A scuffle broke out, and LAFC’s Segura was shown a red card. Just minutes later in stoppage time, Galaxy’s Cuevas crossed in a perfect ball to Yoshida, who headed in the dramatic equalizer.

This match had everything El Tráfico fans could’ve hoped for. Both teams walked away with a point, but LAFC let the win slip away at home. Regardless, both sides looked strong and brought high-level entertainment to the city. As the rivalry lives on, both teams now shift focus to their next MLS matchups.

Written by Joseph Hernandez Torrejon Photos Shot and Edited by Joseph Hernandez Torrejon