The LA Galaxy defeated LAFC 2-1 on Tuesday in front of a sold-out crowd at the Rose Bowl in the latest match of the “El Trafico” series. Here’s what you need to know:
- The Galaxy’s Tyler Boyd opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a goal from the edge of the 18-yard box.
- LAFC equalized in the 57th minute with a header from Ili Sanchez.
- But the Galaxy went ahead in the 73rd minute with an assist from Ricky Puig Boyd.
- A Fourth of July clash between the Los Angeles clubs set a new MLS single-game attendance record. 82,110 fans.
AthleticInstant Analysis:
How the Galaxy beat LAFC
After Jonathan Bond denied Denis Bounga early in the match, the rest of the first period was controlled by the Galaxy’s Douglas Costa and Puig – two players who save their best for “El Trafíco” matches. Costa, a former Brazil international, caused problems for LAFC’s full-backs with his tricky dribbling and penchant for running in behind, while Puig floated between the lines and led the team forward in transition.
The best moment of the first half was when Boyd scored with a curling effort from the corner of the 18-yard box into the top left corner of John McCarthy’s goal. Boyd’s third goal against LAFC in all competitions this season was an effort worthy of the occasion. However, the Galaxy could have started the second period two or three goals ahead if striker Preston Judd had been more clinical, especially if Puig had failed to capitalize on a clear scoring opportunity.
LAFC, on a two-game losing streak in the league, bounced back in the second half to equalize through Sanchez’s header. It was the midfielder’s second goal for the club after joining Sporting Kansas City in 2022. But it will be Puig, who scored a fine solo effort when these teams last met in May, who will once again prove the difference. Boyd in the 73rd minute.
With this win, the Galaxy team closes the gap to the playoffs with 6 points. LAFC’s poor run continues following the CONCACAF Champions League final defeat, with two wins in their last 11 games in all competitions. — Burke
Backstory
Charlotte FC previously held the MLS single-match attendance record of 74,479 fans, set in March 2022 when Charlotte fell 1–0 to the Galaxy in the club’s opening home game at Bank of America Stadium.
Tuesday’s clash between the Galaxy and LAFC was scheduled for MLS’ opening weekend in February, but was rescheduled for July 4 due to inclement weather.
The event marked the 20th “El Trafíco” in history and the third meeting between the clubs this year. The Galaxy lead the league with nine wins to LAFC’s six (five draws). LAFC beat the Galaxy 3–2 in April, and the Galaxy defeated LAFC 2–0 in the round of 16 of the US Open Cup in May.
Competition highlights
Required reading
(Photo: Kiyoshi Mio / USA Today)
