Galaxy edge LAFC in front of MLS-record 82,110 fans

Updated: Jul 5, 2023, 06:02 am

In front of an MLS-record crowd of 82,110 supporters, Riqui Puig's 73rd-minute goal gave the Los Angeles Galaxy a 2-1 victory over visiting Los Angeles FC on Tuesday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

The announced crowd of 82,110 marked the highest single-match attendance in MLS history. The previous record was 74,479 in attendance at Charlotte FC's inaugural home match on March 5, 2022, which was also against the Galaxy.

The latest edition of the all-Los Angeles "El Trafico" rivalry delivered an exciting match for the record crowd, highlighted by Puig's decisive play.

With the score tied 1-1, a pass downfield found Tyler Boyd on the far side, and Puig outpaced two LAFC players racing up the middle of the field. Boyd's cross found the streaking Puig, whose sliding touch delivered his second goal of the season.

The Galaxy are unbeaten (2-0-4) in their past six matches, as the team is starting to regain its form after some dire early-season struggles. Even with the unbeaten streak, the Galaxy (4-9-7, 19 points) still sit in 13th place in the 14-team Western Conference.

LAFC (9-6-5, 32 points) have lost three consecutive matches, and they have a 2-5-1 record in their past eight matches.

Boyd put the Galaxy ahead in the 26th minute on a superbly aimed shot from the corner of the box. Taking a pass from Puig, Boyd had space to turn and fire across the box and into the top right corner.

Ilie Sanchez had Los Angeles FC's lone goal, leveling the score in the 57th minute. After an uninspiring performance in the first half, LAFC dominated the first 15 minutes after the halftime break, highlighted by Sanchez's header deflection of a corner kick.

Denis Bouanga and Nathan Ordaz had quality scoring chances in extra time, but neither LAFC player could convert the equalizer.

Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond left the match at halftime due to a thigh injury, and he was replaced by Jonathan Klinsmann. Bond was credited with three saves, and Klinsmann stopped four shots.

LAFC goalie John McCarthy made four saves.

--Field Level Media