LAFC vs LA Galaxy summary: Denis Bouanga goals, score & highlights | MLS
LAFC vs LA Galaxy: As it happened
LAFC secured El Trafico bragging rights after a thrilling derby game at BMO Stadium.
The hosts, reigning MLS Cup champions, started fast but missed a number of decent openings in the early stages. They did eventually take the lead with a header from Denis Bouanga but LA Galaxy equalised almost immediately though Billy Sharp.
A long-range strike from Ryan Hollingshead gave LAFC a narrow lead at the break but the hosts were living dangerously.
The Galaxy began to grow into the game in the second half and found a second equaliser through Maya Yoshida. For a moment it looked as if the Galaxy could stage a smash-and-grab victory but their hopes were dashed by a defensive mix-up that allowed Bouanga to ghost in and notch his second goal.
The visitors pushed for an equaliser in the late stages but it was LAFC who added to their tally as Timothy Tillman finished well after a slick counter-attack.
LAFC take the three points at BMO Stadium and will feel that they have secured an important win as they look to build momentum for the playoffs.
Bouanga brace gives LAFC well-deserved victory
LAFC made and squandered countless chances against LA Galaxy but the crucial third goal was entirely of the Galaxy's own making.
Defender Chris Mavinga played an ill-advised back pass towards his goalkeeper and Denis Bouanga was on hand to nip in and steal the ball. The Gabonese forward finished coolly to notch his 14th goal of a very impressive campaign.
LAFC added a fourth with a well-taken breakaway goal late on, but it was Bouanga's strike that put them on course for victory at BMO Stadium.
Full time at BMO Stadium and LAFC claim bragging rights in the Los Angeles derby!
LAFC win a free kick in their defensive half and that should be enough for them to see out the game.
Maxime Crepau, on his return to the team, takes his time over the kick and we're approaching the full time whistle now.
Another chance for LAFC on the break but Maya Yoshida gets back in time to intercept.
They haven't been particularly consistent in MLS this season but LAFC will be a real threat in the post-season again this year.
LA Galaxy are continuing to push forward in the final minutes but their reliance on Riqui Puig has been laid bare this evening. The former Barcelona player has looked good on the ball but he has had precious little to work with from his side's forwards.
If they are to progress as a team, Greg Vanney needs to ease the creative burden on the captain's shoulders.
Chance! LA Galaxy
Nearly an opportunity for the visitors there as Maxime Crepau flaps at a corner ball. There are plenty of white shirt in the box but no one to connect for the Galaxy.
There will be six minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
The 3252 section is really bouncing now as the flares are back. The Galaxy players look resigned to their fate.
LAFC have made mistakes this evening but, throughout, they have looked devastating on the counter-attack. As Galaxy were forced to push forward in search of an equaliser they were always likely to leave themselves open at the back and that is exactly what happened.
Perhaps unsurprisingly it was two substitutes, Mario Gonzalez and Timothy Tillman, who created and scored the LAFC goal. Their fresh legs proved decisive and should have secured the three points.
GOOOOOAAAAL! LAFC
LA Galaxy have been pushing for an equaliser but they get caught on the break by a final LAFC counter-attack.
Gonzalez plays in Timothy Tillman on the right of the box and the midfielder lashes his shot past Bond. The hosts take a two-goal lead!
With ten minutes to go LA Galaxy are enjoying more of the ball but are struggling to make anything of it.
Riqui Puig skips through challenges in the middle but Chiellini is there to boot the ball to safety. The Italian will be relishing this challenge in the final stages.
Denis Bouanga's second goal was his 14th in MLS this season, meaning that he is now tied at the top of the scoring charts. He has impressed throughout in El Trafico and may have given his team a crucial win.
This is a real test for LA Galaxy now. They had looked a little brighter since their second goal but they are now forced to chase the game against a team that thrives on the counter-attack.
Double change for LAFC as Hollingshead and Vela and replaced, with Gonzalez and Palencia coming on in their place.
GOOOOOAAAAAL! Denis Bouanga
The LAFC top scorer doubles his tally and it could be a crucial goal!
He's been a threat throughout but the goal comes from a lazy back pass from Mavinga. Bouanga steals in and rounds the keeper to give his side the lead.
And a change for LA Galaxy as goalscorer Billy Sharp is replaced by Dejan Joveljic.
Double change for the hosts as Tillman and Biuk come on to replace Bogusz and Olivera.
It's a poor delivery from the visitors and Maxime Crepau claims easily.
Ryan Hollingshead (LAFC)
The goalscorer goes into the book for another foul on Riqui Puig. He is absolutely furious with the decision and the Galaxy have a chance to deliver a cross from out wide.
Brilliant play from Billy Sharp to hold the ball up for his team and slow the game down. LA Galaxy will probably be pretty happy with a draw at full time, LAFC will have to push the pace if they want to find a winner.
The 3252 LAFC supporters group are still making themselves heard behind the goal, but their enthusiasm has been dimmed slightly by that equaliser.
It's difficult to explain exactly how LA Galaxy are level at the hour mark. LAFC have had all of the best opportunities but have been saved by some profligate finishing and the performance of goalkeeper Jonathan Bond.
In stark contrast, LA Galaxy have been ruthless in front of goal with two well-taken strikes from former Premier League duo Billy Sharp and Maya Yoshida.
GOOOOAAAAAL! LA Galaxy
Incredible! LA Galaxy are level again, thanks to a thumping header from Maya Yoshida. LAFC have had all of the play in the first hour but the scores are level.
Rare foray forward for LA Galaxy as Riqui Puig gets his team on the front foot. LAFC clear the ball for a corner and get the resultant cross away from danger.
Galaxy defender Mazinga is forced to make a crucial interception to stop Olivera getting a chance at goal.
LAFC win a corner in front of the 3252, but Hollingshead's header goes well over.
Galaxy coach Greg Vanney will surely be considering a substitution now. The visitors have barely created anything in an attacking sense and Billy Sharp has looked increasingly isolated.
Former Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa is on the bench for the Galaxy and could add fresh impetus.
Chance! LAFC
The hosts should be well ahead now, as Carlos Vela misses a free header in the Galaxy box.
Bogusz was involved again, curling in an inch-perfect cross from the right. He found the head of Vela but the Mexico could not hit the target. Frustration for LAFC.
Chance! LAFC
Another opportunity for LAFC as Bond makes a brilliant one-on-one save from Christian Olivera. The LAFC winger was played in behind the Galaxy defence but couldn't convert.
Close! LAFC
It's a positive start from the hosts and both Bouanga and Bogusz are involved again.
Bouanga drives forward to get his team up the pitch and finds Bogusz on the left of the box. The midfielder cuts inside and fires a shot at goal but it's parried wide by Bond.
One change at the break as the struggling Cuevas is replaced by Kalvin Leerdam.
And we're back at BMO Stadium for the second half of this thrilling Los Angeles derby.
Hosts LAFC get the second half underway!
Will LAFC rue missed chances?
LAFC came into tonight's game as favourites and they certainly looked the stronger team for much of the first half. The pace of Bouanga and Bogusz was a real threat throughout and LAFC fashioned plenty of opportunities from the left flank.
However they failed to make the most of those chances and they are just one goal ahead at the break. LA Galaxy scored through Billy Sharp to keep hopes alive at the break.
And that's half time!
A thrilling opening 45 minutes at BMO Stadium sees LAFC take a narrow lead into the break. The hosts could be further ahead but a lapse in concentration allowed Billy Sharp to score on his first MLS start.
LAFC mount one last attack, with Bouanga looking to curl the ball in towards Chiellini in the middle. His cross is a little too high and the Italian can't quite connect.
There's just one minute of added time at BMO Stadium.
Close! LAFC
The ball bounces to Ilie Sanchez on the edge of the Galaxy box and the midfielder lashes a fierce drive at goal. Bond makes a flying save to palm the ball wide and keeps his team's deficit to a single goal.
Mauricio Cuevas (LA Galaxy)
The Galaxy full back is booked after pulling back Palacios. He's struggled in the opening 45 minutes.
We're into the final five minutes of a thrilling first half at BMO Stadium. LAFC have looked by far the better team but a lapse of concentration has given the Galaxy reason to be hopeful if they can stay in the game.
For LAFC, Mateusz Bogusz is pushing higher up and even changing place with Carlos Vela at times as the Mexican drops deep. It's causing real problems for the visitors, who don't know which player to track.
The kick is played short and curled in from a wide angle. The cross is a tempting one but no LAFC player can quite get on the end of it and the ball bounces through to Bond in the Galaxy net.
Mateusz Bogusz is hacked down in the middle of the Galaxy half, around 35 yards from goal.
Free kick to LAFC, Vela to deliver...
LAFC have looked dangerous on the break in the opening stages, with Denis Bouanga proving a real threat on the left flank. He's up against Cuevas and is getting the better of the young right back.
The hosts fly forward again, they smell blood.
GOOOOOAAAAL! Ryan Hollingshead
I spoke too soon! LAFC are back in front thanks to a 25-yard strike from full back Ryan Hollingshead.
After that thrilling spell the game has cooled down again, with LA Galaxy starting to take control of possession. Both sides will be thinking that this game is there for the taking and there's an incredible atmosphere form the LAFC supporters behind the goal.
And breathe...
This LA derby explodes into life with two goals with seconds of each other! Bouanga headed LAFC into a well-deserved lead but the hosts go to sleep from the restart and the Galaxy are able to play their way through their defence with ease. Sharp scores on his first start for his new club.
GOOOOOOAAAAL! Billy Sharp
Incredible scenes at BMO stadium as LA Galaxy go straight up the other end and score! What a game we have on now!
GOOOOOAAAAL! Denis Bouanga
The hosts have the lead and it's top scorer Denis Bouanga with the breakthrough! Brilliant move from LAFC and a fine headed finish from the forward.
1-0 LAFC!
A good spell of possession for the Galaxy helps to quiet the home support and stem the flow of LAFC attacks. Young full back Cuevas is getting a bit more support from Boyd now.
LA Galaxy are getting more into the game now, aided by the influence of Riqui Puig. The Galaxy captain has had plenty of touches in the opening stages and is helping to get his side's attacking full backs into play.
Another cross from the LAFC left nearly pays dividends, but Carlos Vela can't quite reach the ball in the middle. Young Galaxy left back Cuevas is really struggling here.
Diego Palacios (LAFC)
The LAFC left back is booked for a late challenge on the touchline and is lucky to avoid further punishment after screaming at the referee.
It's a feisty start at BMO Stadium!
Chance! LAFC
Another opening for the hosts as Denis Bouanga whips in a fierce low cross from the right. Christian Oliviera looks to meet the ball on the six yard box by a recovering Edwards is on hand to block his effort.
LAFC are getting some joy down the left in the early stages.
In the opening stages Riqui Puig has been playing fairly high up in midfield, with Delgado and Rossell providing cover in the middle of the pitch. The Galaxy captain is looking to combine with Billy Sharp and keep the ball further up the pitch.
Ilie Sanchez (LA Galaxy)
The Galaxy holding midfielder is booked for a cynical foul on Riqui Puig.
Chance! LAFC
First real sight of goal as Palacio drives in a low cross from the left, finding Denis Bouanga in the middle. The Gabonese forward can't angle his touch correctly and it goes wide.
He's subsequently flagged for offside, but it was a neat move from LAFC.
As expected, it looks like Carlos Vela will be the focal point of LAFC's attack this evening. The Mexican star is playing as central striker, but is looking to drop deep and link the play.
Either side of him the pace of Denis Bouanga and Christian Oliviera will look to pose a threat in behind.
There's a cloud of smoke covering the field as LAFC's infamous 3252 supporters group set off flares in the singing section behind the goal. They will hope to roar their side on for an important victory tonight.
And we're off!
The atmosphere at BMO Stadium is incredible as we get started in the El Trafico!
We're nearly ready for kick-off now...
LA Galaxy supporter out in full force
This may be a home game for LAFC but there is a sizeable LA Galaxy presence at BMO Stadium for the derby. LA Galaxy are the most successful team in MLS history but looked well off the pace at the start of this season.
Head coach Greg Vanney, now in his third season in the role, masterminded an impressive mid-season turnaround and they stand a chance of making it to the playoffs. Former Barcelona starlet Riqui Puig will captain the Galaxy tonight and will hope for a repeat of this season's previous El Trafico clash, in which he scored in a crucial victory.
The players are out on the pitch at BMO Stadium for tonight's El Trafico fixture. The atmosphere is intense as both teams look for a crucial win over their city rivals.
Full minute-by-minute coverage coming up shortly...
Boost for LAFC as Maxime Crepau returns
The 2022 MLS Cup final was a famous day in the history of LAFC as the team was crowned champions for the very first time. It was a thrilling game, but one in which LAFC goalkeeper Maxime Crepau suffered a horrific leg break.
It has taken him nearly a year to return to the team but he is fit to start for LAFC tonight. We wish him all the best on his return to MLS action.
There's just 15 minutes to go until kick-off at BMO Stadium and the stands are packed for El Trafico. There's plenty of Mexican shirts and flags in attendance to mark Mexican Independence Day and we're expecting a thrilling derby fixture this evening.
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At the midway point of the 2023 MLS season it looked as if LA Galaxy were set to miss out on the playoffs after a disastrous start to the campaign. Not only were the five-time MLS Cup winners struggling on the pitch, but a series of injuries had hit Greg Vanney's squad.
Gaston Brugman, Martin Carceres and club captain Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez were all ruled out with long-term injuries, but the depleted squad has rallied in recent months. Here's what they need to do to make it to the playoffs...
Crowds gather for El Trafico clash
There's still a little over half an hour to go until kick-off but supporters of LAFC and LA Galaxy have been gathering at BMO Stadium all day. Every derby between these two is a special occasion but this evening's fixture holds real importance.
LAFC will be desperate to secure a win to reassert themselves as genuine MLS Cup contenders; while Galaxy need to keep up their good recent form if they are to make it to the post-season.
Douglas Costa named on the bench for LA Galaxy
There's one big surprise in the Galaxy line up as former Juventus and Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa is dropped to the bench by Greg Vanney. Riqui Puig keeps the captain's armband for the Galaxy, while Billy Sharp makes his first MLS start since joining from Premier League side Sheffield United.
Here's the LAFC starting XI for tonight's game
LAFC name an experienced line up for the derby clash against LA Galaxy as Giorgio Chiellini keeps his place in the starting XI. However young forward Cristian Olivera is introduced to the forward line in place of Mario Gonzalez.
LAFC vs LA Galaxy: predicted starting line ups
We're still waiting for team news from BMO Stadium, but here's how we think LAFC and LA Galaxy might line up for tonight's El Clasico clash. New Galaxy signing Billy Sharp may feel slightly aggrieved to miss out, but Greg Vanney knows that he can pose a real threat off the bench for the visitors.
LAFC expected XI: McCarthy; Duenas, Murillo, Long, Palacios; Tillman, Sanchez, Acosta; Vela, Bouanga, Bogusz
LA Galaxy expected XI: Bond; Cuevas, Yoshida, Mavinga, Edwards; Delgado, Rosell; Fagundez, Puig, Boyd; Joveljic
LAFC in the house
The stars of MLS Cup holders LAFC are in attendance at BMO Stadium ahead of tonight's derby clash. Carlos Vela, Kellyn Acosta and Ryan Hollingshead look relaxed for this one, but the anticipation for the second El Trafico of the season is growing!
LA Galaxy en route to BMO Stadium
In little over an hour the players of LAFC and LA Galaxy will be taking to the field at BMO Stadium for another El Trafico derby. The Galaxy got the better of the first Los Angeles derby of the season and will look to complete the double over their city rivals this evening.
The LA Galaxy team look focused for this crucial derby clash
Messi-less Miami thrashed in Atlanta
Our attention has now turned to Los Angeles for the build up to tonight's hotly anticipated El Trafico fixture, but lets take a moment to reflect on a seismic result in MLS earlier today.
Lionel Messi was unavailable for selection for Inter Miami and the Herons were downed 5-2 on the road against Atlanta United. The comprehensive defeat is a major setback for Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's side as they look to stage a late push for the playoff places.
Wondering how much a ticket for tonight's game would cost? Unsurprisingly, tickets for the derby clash at BMO Stadium are in high demand and fans could be paying more than $600 for the privilege of watching LAFC vs LA Galaxy in the flesh.
Fortunately, you can also get full live coverage of the game right here with AS USA.
Mexican connection for LA Galaxy on El Tri Day!
Today is Mexican Independence Day and there will be plenty of influences from over the border in tonight's Los Angeles derby! Both teams feature an attacking Mexican icon, although LA Galaxy's Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez is still out injured.
LAFC will be captained by Carlos Vela and there will be plenty of Mexican support in the crowd at BMO Stadium.
LAFC release new Latin American training top
LAFC are taking on LA Galaxy at the start of the US' National Hispanic Heritage Month. Coming from a city with such a vibrant Latino population, LAFC have paid tribute to their Hispanic support with this bold new training top.
Expect to see the players warming up in these shirts tonight.
We'll have full live coverage of LAFC vs LA Galaxy right here, but you can also watch or stream the game online. Here's everything you need to know to watch El Trafico live...
LAFC look to take over
LA Galaxy remain the most successful team in the league's history with a record five MLS Cup triumphs. However in recent years they have been usurped at the top of the tree by young upstarts from their own city.
LAFC made history last year with their first MLS Cup victory and the Black and Gold will be looking to retain their title this year.
LAFC and LA Galaxy first met in a competitive fixture in 2018 with a thrilling 4-3 victory for the Galaxy. Games between the two sides rarely disappoint and soccer fans across the world will be glued to tonight's fixtures.
Some viewers may wonder about the origins of the Los Angeles derby's unique moniker; 'El Trafico'.
The name has it's roots in European soccer culture and the car-centric city that both teams are based in. Here's everything you need to know...
LA Galaxy look for statement win
Greg Vanney's side have catapulted themselves back into playoff contentious with a brilliant run in recent months. However they are still stuck in 12th position in the East, four points adrift of the final playoff Wild Card place.
Tonight could be their chance to build some real momentum for the crucial run-in.
Hello and welcome to AS USA, where we'll be bringing you live coverage of LAFC vs LA Galaxy. I'm Will Gittins and I'll run you through all of the action from this evening's El Trafico clash.
The first LA derby of the season ended with a surprise 2-1 victory for struggling LA Galaxy, who have managed to turn their fortunes around after a poor start to the 2023 campaign.
Can they continue their good recent run at BMO Stadium, or will MLS Cup holder LAFC prove too strong for them? We're about to find out...