LAFC, GALAXY PLAY OUT PULSATING DRAW IN 26TH EDITION OF EL TRÁFICO

In a dramatic edition of El Tráfico, the fixture that has come to symbolize the fierce metropolitan derby between Los Angeles’ two MLS teams, LAFC showcased moments of brilliance and attacking firepower under the lights at BMO Stadium, but a last-gasp equalizer by the LA Galaxy saw the match end in a frustrating 3–3 draw on Friday night. This 26th chapter of Los Angeles’ most intense soccer rivalry was everything fans have come to expect: goals, drama, and unrelenting intensity. For LAFC, who entered the night riding a 13-game stretch with just one league loss and still in contention for the Supporters’ Shield, the result felt like two points dropped rather than one earned.

With BMO Stadium buzzing, LAFC wasted no time asserting themselves. Although the Galaxy dominated early possession, it was the home side that struck first. In the 26th minute, Denis Bouanga, the club’s top scorer and attacking catalyst, was left unmarked and made the Galaxy pay. A smart through ball from Ryan Hollingshead found Bouanga in stride, and he calmly placed the ball into the back of the net, giving LAFC the lead and sending the 3252 supporters’ section into a frenzy.

Just five minutes later, LAFC doubled their lead through Javairô Dilrosun, who pounced on a midfield turnover and punished the Galaxy defense on the counter with a clinical finish. The two quick goals brought the stadium to life and put LAFC firmly in control. Just as LAFC seemed poised to run away with it though, the Galaxy responded. A handball by Hollingshead inside the box gave Gabriel Pec a chance from the penalty spot, and he took full advantage, driving it deep to the left to cut the deficit to 2–1.

Tempers flared as the match intensified. Sergi Palencia picked up a yellow for a foul on Joseph Paintsil, and both teams began accumulating fouls and bookings. LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris remained a steady presence, making key saves to preserve LAFC’s lead heading into halftime.

Coming out of the break, LAFC adjusted with sharp intent. They pressed higher, moved the ball more patiently, and showed greater discipline in their buildup. The reward came in the 67th minute, once again through Bouanga. The forward broke free down the middle, drawing the Galaxy keeper off his line, and calmly slid the ball into an empty net for his second of the night and LAFC’s third.

The celebration was pure showmanship, with Bouanga blowing kisses to the visiting Galaxy supporters—a bold moment that seemed to seal the result as the stadium erupted with cheers and beers flowed in the stands.

Roughly ten minutes later, head coach Steve Cherundolo brought on fresh legs, including Amaya, Ebobisse, and Yeboah, giving Bouanga a well-earned rest after his brace, but the Galaxy weren’t finished. Pec struck again almost immediately after the substitutions, catching the LAFC backline off guard and narrowing the score to 3–2.

The final 15 minutes devolved into chaos. Tensions boiled over when Galaxy’s Mauricio Cuevas fouled David Martínez, sparking a heated exchange. As Martínez and Cuevas exchanged words, LAFC teammates rushed in to protest the tackle, escalating the confrontation into a shoving match involving nearly 10 players from both sides. LAFC defender Eddie Segura was shown a straight red card for violent conduct, forcing the home side to finish with 10 men.

Lloris was shown a yellow card for time-wasting as LAFC tried to see out the remaining minutes. Yet in the final seconds of stoppage time, after a gritty, defensive effort, Galaxy’s Yoshinoda found space and rifled home a heartbreaking equalizer that silenced BMO Stadium.

For LAFC, the night was full of attacking promise and standout performances, particularly from Bouanga, who once again proved why he’s one of the most dangerous players in MLS. The inability to close out the match in front of their home fans, though, left a bitter taste, especially given how well the team controlled long stretches of the game.

Still, with just one loss in their last 14 league matches and a deep, versatile bench performing at a high level, LAFC remains firmly in the hunt for playoff positioning and the Supporters’ Shield. As the battle for Los Angeles continues, LAFC will look to regroup, refocus, and finish stronger.

Written by: Ana Oquendo

Photographed by: Steven Esperanza