This is a hell of a way to return to MLS action. After the fairly long FIFA World Cup break, MLS is back in action and LAFC took the pitch tonight. Thankfully they wont have to make a long trip being on the road for the return to play, they take on rivals, LA Galaxy, who themselves are having a much better campaign than they have had in recent years. That said, we all know this is one of those matches records get thrown to the side and we just accept that anything can happen in this one. The black and gold will be looking to kickstart their attack for the second half of the season, while improving their position in the table with a win against their most hated rivals.
Our XI 👊#LAGvLAFC | @essentiawater pic.twitter.com/GTfJg6bzRb
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 18, 2026
Heung-Min Son got the start tonight, as well as midfielder Mathieu Choinière and Jacob Shaffelburg in attack. For those who may not remember, Stephen Eustáquio’s loan deal ended in June just before the start of the World Cup, and he is back in Portugal with Porto. The lack of depth in the middle of the pitch is why we saw Eddie Segura make his debut in the midfield, looking to help keep the Galaxy attack at bay. The first 20 minutes were a back-and-forth affair. Both sides were getting looks, but Galaxy looked the fresher team, coming out with a lot more energy to start the match.
The sluggish start was given a shot of adrenaline, courtesy of a former Galaxy player, in the 26th minute of the match. Jacob Shaffelburg put a great move on his defender, sending him flying as he set up a cross in to the box, a great ball into the box that found former LA Galaxy player and current LAFC midfielder, Mark Delgado. The midfielder’s initial header was blocked by a defender but he was not to be denied, followed the shot, had an open look, and smashed it home for the first half lead.
Mark Delgado gets on the end of a cross from Shaff to give us the lead 😤 https://t.co/pNOORNmvJA pic.twitter.com/0nYIFAWi2X
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 18, 2026
As the first half came to a close, Sonny had a golden opportunity to finally get his first MLS goal and at least start to lift the weight on his shoulders, but he failed to convert. Almost immediately after, LAFC were awarded a penalty and for a long time it looked like Son would be the one to step up and take the kick. At the last moment, Denis Bouanga came over to accept the ball from his teammate and he was the one who took the shot, scoring from the spot, doubling the lead for Los Angeles FC as the first half came to an end.
Big Game Bouanga 😤 https://t.co/43bJTQYVxs pic.twitter.com/PGJnA6y2Xh
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 18, 2026
The second half started much like the first with LAFC getting a couple of good looks early, with the Galaxy coming closest through 55 minutes. It had looked like the home side was poised to make things interesting, but then it finally happened. In the 57th minute, after 16 matches, after what has been a struggling start to the season, coming after what was an even worse showing at the World Cup, after 45 shots, HEUNG-MIN SON SCORED A GOAL and it was a beauty. After taking on defenders he first passed the ball over to Delgado who had a look at the top of the box, but instead he opted to leave it for Son who took the chance and sent it top shelf for the goal, marking his first of the MLS season.
Sonny strikes from the top of the box 🚀 https://t.co/rUjpsSChaK pic.twitter.com/J0qIwIJV3P
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 18, 2026
The goal deflated the vibes for Galaxy fans and deflated any hopes of attack Galaxy had on the pitch as they realized finding a result was, at best, a long shot at this point. LAFC tightened the screws and through 80 minutes maintained their three goal lead. Despite rumors with a move away, David Martinez was subbed into the match in the 66th minute to help see out the match.
That is precisely what LAFC did as they were able to see out the win and come away with the big three points in their MLS return. Interestingly, the 3-0 win makes it eight clean sheet wins on the season, not having conceded a single goal in a win for the MLS regular season. It seems the key to soccer is to score goals, and keep the opponent’s from scoring, who knew?! Let’s see if the boys can do the same at home when they take on Real Salt Lake for some midweek madness in five days.
Thoughts on the win for LAFC? Let us know in the comments below!