El Tráfico Delivers Chaos Again: LAFC 3-3 LA Galaxy (Copy)
Photo By: Juan Hernandez - Dennis Bouanga#99 Opening the scoreboard
In another wild chapter of El Tráfico, LA Galaxy clawed back to earn a dramatic 3-3 draw against LAFC at BMO Stadium this past Saturday (July 19, 2025). It was a match filled with energy, quality goals, a red card, and a last-gasp equalizer that left the stadium stunned.
Setting the Stage
Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Location: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles
Attendance: 22,301
Rivalry Context: The 26th official El Tráfico, known for high-scoring, chaotic endings.
LAFC came in riding an unbeaten run in July, while the Galaxy, despite a tough season, sought to salvage pride against their city rivals.
Photo By: Juan Hernandez - Gabriel Pec#11 after scoring PK Celebrating with fans
First Half: LAFC Takes Control
LAFC started strong, controlling possession and moving the ball quickly:
26' – Denis Bouanga: Opened the scoring with a composed finish after a perfect pass from Ryan Hollingshead, sending the LAFC faithful into early celebrations.
31' – Javaïro Dilrosun: Doubled LAFC’s lead with a curling strike from the edge of the box, assisted by Nathan Ordaz, showcasing LAFC’s fluid attack.
36' – Gabriel Pec (Penalty): The Galaxy found a lifeline when Ryan Hollingshead was called for a handball. Pec converted from the spot, shifting momentum before halftime.
Photo by: Richard Morales - Gabriel Pec #11 Celebrating Second goal for LA Galaxy
Second Half: Back-and-Forth Intensity
The pace stayed high as both teams created chances:
67' – Bouanga Brace: Bouanga scored his second, finishing off a rapid counterattack, giving LAFC a 3-1 lead and his 13th goal of the season.
79' – Pec Strikes Again: Gabriel Pec scored his second of the night, receiving a clever assist from Marco Reus and cutting LAFC’s lead to 3-2.
88' – Lloris Heroics: LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a crucial double save, preserving the lead heading into stoppage time.
Photo By: Juan Hernandez - LA Teams scuffle which leads to the red card given
Stoppage Time Madness
Just when it seemed LAFC would take all three points:
90+7' – Eddie Segura Red Card: Segura was sent off for grabbing Christian Ramirez by the neck during a scuffle, reducing LAFC to 10 men in the final seconds.
90+7' – Maya Yoshida Equalizes: Moments later, Yoshida headed in a corner from Mauricio Cuevas in the 97th minute, tying the game and sending the Galaxy fans into a frenzy.
The goal became the latest in El Tráfico history (96:53), embodying the rivalry’s unpredictability.
Photo By: Juan Hernandez - Cuevas#19 Tackling David Martinez#30
Key Player Performances
Denis Bouanga (LAFC): Two goals, constantly threatening the Galaxy’s backline.
Javaïro Dilrosun (LAFC): One goal, strong link-up play.
Gabriel Pec (Galaxy): Two goals and relentless attacking energy.
Maya Yoshida (Galaxy): Scored the historic equalizer, leading the team by example.
Photo by: Richard Morales - Nascimento#9 Taking on Eddie Segura #4
Post-Match Reactions
Greg Vanney (Galaxy coach):
“These games are crazy, so you never give up. Didn’t disappoint there at the end.”Steve Cherundolo (LAFC coach):
“We came up 10 seconds too short… these are moments where you have to close out games.”
Impact on Standings
LAFC: Moves to 10-5-6 (36 points), sitting 5th in the Western Conference.
LA Galaxy: Now 3-14-7 (16 points), but the comeback adds a confidence boost to a challenging season.
Photo By: Juan Hernandez - Bouanga#99 Celebrating with fans
What’s Next?
LAFC hosts Portland Timbers on Friday, July 25, at BMO Stadium.
LA Galaxy travel to Houston Dynamo on the same evening, seeking to build on the momentum of their dramatic draw.
Final Word
El Tráfico once again proved why it’s MLS’s premier rivalry, delivering six goals, late drama, and emotional swings that left fans breathless. LAFC showed flashes of their attacking quality, but Galaxy’s refusal to quit ensured another chapter of this rivalry ends with chaos and controversy.