The Los Angeles Football Club(LAFC) hosted and defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 at BMO Stadium on April 6. This is the first matchup between the crosstown rivals of the Major League Soccer(MLS) season. The last time these two teams faced off in a regular season game was Sep. 16, 2023. LAFC won that match as well 4-2.
Former LAFC star and Wales International team Forward Gareth Bale made his return to BMO stadium as he was honored by the black and gold home faithful. Both squads would come out of their dressing rooms shortly after. Following the on-field festivities and national anthem, the match began.
Quick One
The first 45 minutes of the match were just as energetic as the fans in the stands. LAFC started with possession of the ball and it wouldn’t take long for the home side to take the lead. A minute after a diving save by LAFC’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, the home side advanced the ball and were set up with a corner kick on the left side of the pitch. Midfielder Mateusz Bogusz crossed the ball into the box and midfielder Timothy Tillman tapped the ball into the net to give LAFC the early lead.
Tit for Tat
The Galaxy squad would find a rebuttal for the early game goal rather quickly. After cutting across the left wing, defender Julian Aude took a shot that hit the right post. He would position himself to get the rebound and shot. LAFC Defender Jesus Murillo blocked the ball with his body. Aude secured the ball and was able to make another attempt at a goal, but Murillo intercepted the ball once again. His defensive highlights were in vain as Aude’s fourth shot in this sequence ties the game at 28′. Galaxy defender Miki Yamane fouls LAFC forward Dennis Bouanga three minutes after the Galaxy goal inside the penalty area. After an official review by the MLS and about three minutes of stopped game time, the call on the field was upheld. Bouanga converted the penalty he earned his squad. LAFC leads 2-1
The Second Act
Despite not having any scoring events, the second half of the match had notable events. LAFC defender Ryan Hollingshead picked up a yellow card after poking Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil in the eye. This was the third yellow card of the night for the 2022 MLS Champions. Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic shot on target and forced Lloris into a jumping save to preserve the game score. at 69′. Defender Sergi Plancencia earns the fourth LAFC yellow card at 75′ for his tackle. LAFC’s head coach Steve Cherundolo was vocal about his dissatisfaction with the call. Match officials warned him with a yellow card. LAFC had multiple scoring chances in the second half but couldn’t convert on any. Murillo fouled Galaxy midfielder Gabriel Pec at 89′ on the left corner of the keeper’s box. The last scoring opportunity for Los Galacticos didn’t result in a score.
What’s Next?
With tonight’s win, LAFC improves their record to 3-3-1. They sit fourth in the Western Conference in the MLS and are two points behind LA Galaxy. Galaxy’s record moves to 3-1-3. LAFC will travel up north before their matchup next week against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon on April 13. The Galaxy will continue their road trip in Canada on April 13. They are set to face the Vancouver Whitecaps at the BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia.
