LAFC vs LA Galaxy Highlights – July 4, 2023
With an MLS record of 82,110 fans in attendance for the third LAFC vs LA Galaxy matchup of the season, the latest episode of El Tráfico ended in a 2-1 victory for the hometown rivals. Following an equalizer early in the second half from LAFC’s Ilie Sánchez, Ricard Puig of the LA Galaxy secured the lead and the win for his club just moments after.
There really was no other way to celebrate Independence Day in Southern California than to watch this rivalry in action. The previous highest single-match attendance record was 74,479 for Charlotte FC’s inaugural home match last season on March 5.
Although LAFC played very well from the jump, Galaxy’s Tyler Boyd drew first blood in the 26th minute on a right-footed strike from the corner of the box that curved past LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy. Following Timothy Tillman’s corner kick, Sánchez tied the match in the 57th minute of the second half on a beautiful header through Galaxy’s Jonathan Klinsmann.
Then all madness ensued as Boyd and Puig connected on a play in the 73’ that put the Galaxy on top, which ultimately was the final nail in the coffin as time ticked down at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. In extra time, LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz both had opportunities to score with shots on target but neither finished at the back of the net.
LA Galaxy now holds a record of 2-1 against LAFC this season of El Tráfico. The Black and Gold now have a 9-6-5 record with 32 points and will be back home at BMO Stadium this Saturday, July 8 to host the San Jose Earthquakes.
