(Photo – LAFC)
LAFC extended its club-record unbeaten streak to 12 games in all competitions with a 2-1 win over the LA Galaxy before 70,076 fans at the Rose Bowl on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
By News Desk
Kei Kamara and Denis Bouanga scored two first-half goals for LAFC, helping the Black & Gold claim sole possession of the Western Conference lead with a 13-4-4 record for 43 points. LAFC is now 11-0-1 in its last 12 games, outscoring opponents 30-6.
Both teams were dangerous from the outset, but it was LAFC’s Eduard Atuesta, who nearly opened the scoring when his attempt in the 14th minute caromed back off the Galaxy’s left post. The action seemed destined to remain deadlocked as half time approached until Kamara outleapt his marker to head home a Mateusz Bogusz corner kick in the 40th minute, putting LAFC up 1-0.
The Black & Gold continued to press for more before the break, resulting in Atuesta being fouled in the Galaxy penalty area. Referee Drew Fischer initially waved play on, but after consulting with VAR, awarded LAFC a penalty kick that Bouanga duly dispatched to make it 2-0.
Ten minutes into the second half, the Galaxy pulled a goal back through Gabriel Pec to make it 2-1 in the 56th minute.
From there, LAFC locked in defensively, limiting the Galaxy five shots – none on target – to earn a hard-fought rivalry win.
Notes
- 2022 MLS Cup MVP John McCarthy made his 20th start in goal for the LA Galaxy in tonight’s match against LAFC. McCarthy, who made six saves and posted his third consecutive shutout in a 3-0 win on the road over the San Jose Earthquakes on June 29, posted four shutouts in eight matches played during LAFC’s run to the 2022-23 Concacaf Champions League Final, earning Golden Glove honors and being named to the Concacaf Champions League Best XI.
- Thursday’s rivalry match is the first time both teams enter the game ranked No. 1 and 2 in the Western Conference.
- The match featured the longest-running fireworks display on the West Coast and included tributes to Veterans and pre-match tailgating at the Rose Bowl.
- The Rialto-California based company, Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, has been providing firework entertainment at the Rose Bowl Stadium for more than 35 years and is known worldwide for extraordinary firework displays, producing shows for the NFL Super Bowls, the Olympic Games, and other major events throughout the world.
Sources: LAFC, LA Galaxy, Rose Bowl
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