LAFC and LA Galaxy Battle to 2-2 Draw in El Tráfico Derby
Son Heung-min has a goal and an assist overturned as LAFC secures a playoff spot against rival LA Galaxy.
Los Angeles FC and the LA Galaxy played to a 2-2 draw in the latest edition of the "El Tráfico" derby during the 2026 Major League Soccer season at BMO Stadium in California. The hard-fought match left LAFC sixth in the Western Conference with 47 points, safely clinching a play-in spot, while the Galaxy remained in ninth place with 41 points.
The match featured high drama in the first half, highlighted by a controversial moment involving LAFC forward Son Heung-min. In the 28th minute, Son pushed in a loose ball after a sequence involving Denis Bouanga and the opposing goalkeeper, but the assistant referee raised the flag for offside.
The decision went to an on-field video review, where the referee upheld the offside ruling despite confusion from players and local broadcast commentators. Had the goal stood, it would have marked Son's tenth goal of the season.
Capitalizing on the reprieve, the Galaxy struck first in the 34th minute. Robert Curtis Taylor intercepted a pass in midfield, drove down the right flank, and delivered a low cross that Joseph Payne easily converted to put the visitors ahead.
LA Galaxy extended their advantage early in the second half. In the sixth minute, Eric Tommy broke into the box and fired a shot that goalkeeper Hugo Lloris parried, leaving Payne to finish the rebound for his second goal of the contest, making it 2-0.
LAFC mounted a spirited comeback shortly after. In the eighth minute, Bouanga capitalized on a loose ball following a long-range effort by Armindo Jiv to put the hosts on the scoreboard. Son nearly notched a record-breaking assist moments later, but Jiv's shot was blocked by a defender.
The equalizer arrived in the 17th minute of the second half when Son delivered a left-wing cross that the Galaxy defense failed to clear. Leo Velta reacted quickly to send a shot through the goalkeeper's legs, leveling the score at 2-2.
Both teams pressed for a winner as stoppage time approached, with Bouanga having a dramatic potential game-winner disallowed for offside in the dying moments. The final whistle confirmed a share of the points as Son finished the match having created a game-high four chances for his teammates.