Ten-Man Galaxy Show Grit in Electric Home Opener Draw with NYCFC
Klauss and Gabriel Pec Celebrating first goal of the season. (Photo By: Richard Morales)
The 2026 MLS season kicked off in dramatic fashion at Dignity Health Sports Park as LA Galaxy battled to a hard-earned 1–1 draw against New York City FC. A dream start, a controversial turning point, and a resilient defensive stand defined an emotional night in Carson.
(Photo By: Richard Morales)
Dream Start for the Galaxy
The home crowd barely had time to settle before the Galaxy struck. Just two minutes into the match, João Klauss announced himself in style. After a slick buildup involving Marco Reus, Klauss found space inside the box and coolly finished into the far corner to give LA a 1–0 lead.
The early goal ignited the stadium and set the tone for an energetic opening stretch. LA pressed confidently, feeding off the crowd’s intensity and putting NYCFC on the back foot.
(Photo By: Richard Morales)
NYCFC Responds with Control
After conceding early, New York City FC steadied themselves. They began to dominate possession, working the ball patiently through midfield and looking for openings in the Galaxy defense.
While they controlled stretches of the first half, clear-cut chances were limited. LA’s defensive shape held firm, and the Galaxy carried their slim advantage into halftime.
Gabriel Pec #11 Battling a Aerial Duel. (Photo By: Richard Morales)
The Turning Point
The match shifted dramatically early in the second half. A VAR review determined that Galaxy defender Emiro Garcés had committed a foul inside the penalty area. Already on a yellow card, Garcés received his second booking and was sent off, reducing LA to ten men.
Moments later, Nicolás Fernández Mercau stepped up to the penalty spot and calmly buried the equalizer in the 66th minute, leveling the match at 1–1 and swinging momentum firmly in NYCFC’s favor.
Holding the Line
With a man advantage, NYCFC pushed aggressively for a winner. The Galaxy were forced into a deeper defensive posture, absorbing pressure and looking to counter when possible.
Despite late waves of attack from the visitors, LA’s back line and goalkeeper stood tall. The home side showed grit and discipline, preserving the draw in front of a raucous crowd.
Gabriel Pec #11 (Photo By: Richard Morales)
Final Score
LA Galaxy 1–1 New York City FC
⚽ Klauss (2’)
⚽ Fernández Mercau (66’ pen)
Key Takeaways
Fast Start: LA set the tone early with clinical finishing.
Game-Changing Red Card: The dismissal of Garcés altered the match’s balance.
Resilience: Down a man for nearly half an hour, the Galaxy earned a valuable point through determination and defensive resolve.
Opening night delivered intensity, controversy, and promise — a reminder that the MLS season is officially underway in Carson.