VAR crucial in Los Angeles Galaxy’s 2-1 win over LAFC in ‘El Tráfico’
Javier Hernández and Séga Coulibaly scored for the five-time MLS champions and VAR disallowed two goals by Los Angeles FC that could’ve changed the result.
VAR night in Carson, California in the 14th edition of ‘El Tráfico’ between Los Angeles Galaxy and Los Angeles Football Club. Javier Hernández scored with a header in the 13th minute to give the team with the most league titles the lead. This was Chicharito’s fifth goal of the season in the same amount of games.
Two goals disallowed by VAR
Then in the 31st minute Séga Coulibaly scored the second goal of the night following a low cross from Samuel Grandsir. Before the break, Carlos Vela would find the back of the net following a free kick, but VAR checked the play and the captain of LAFC was offside, so the goal was disallowed.
The Galaxy was able to hold on to the 2-0 lead at the end of the first half and VAR would make another appearance later on. The game resumed and Cristian Arango entered the match with plenty of time left on the clock. The Colombian striker had an immediate impact because in the 79th minute he scored a goal following a rebound from goalkeeper Jonathan Bond.
That goal was a boost of energy for the ‘Black & Gold’ and with thirty seconds left on the clock Latif Blessing thought he had leveled the scores. But VAR once again checked the play and the LAFC player was offside and the goal was chalked off, the second one of the night, and the referee ended the match right after. The Galaxy defeated LAFC 2-1 in the 14th edition of ‘El Tráfico,’ and now they have beaten their city rivals on six occasions.