There are no more words that need to be said other than, LAFC taking on LA Galaxy on 4th of July. If somehow that didn’t get you excited enough, throw in an MLS record-breaking crowd of over 82,000 at the famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA and you have yourself a battle for LA that could only get bigger if it had an MLS Cup on the line. Sadly, we haven’t had that yet but this is for sure the next best thing. This is the type of match where legends are made, memories engraved, and bragging rights go to an all-time high. This, is LA sports at its absolute finest.
🫡 pic.twitter.com/ZyIdUJMMAU
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 5, 2023
A night like this, opening goals are so important, and the Galaxy weren’t going to let anyone else get the first goal in the return to their childhood home. In the 26th minute, Tyler Boyd shook off defenders and curled in a goal from range so nice, Beckham likely smirked when he saw it. The incredible goal gave Galaxy the lead and the momentum.
OH MY TYLER BOYD 💫💫💫 pic.twitter.com/ON8JQ2zOXb
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 5, 2023
LAFC settled into the match, and nearly responded minutes after conceding, but couldn’t find the finish. The Galaxy nearly found their second as the first half ended, but the attack fell short with an attempt from Preston Judd who put it right into the hands of McCarthy. Goal aside, the half was fairly even. Both teams had three shots on target, with Galaxy needing eight shots to do so and LAFC on just five attempts. The only problem was the home side had the all-important, goal. The second half would be crucial for LAFC, as they needed to focus on their finishing if they were going to have any hope of getting the win.
The black & gold certainly got the message, because they started off the second half in full control of the ball, the match, and the momentum Galaxy had gathered. They just needed to find the back of the net to really make this match interesting for the final stretch. They did just that in the 57th minute when LAFC were awarded a corner kick, and had the perfect play for the occasion. The ball was put in beautifully, finding Ilie Sanchez at the near post, getting his head on it with power. Even with Jonathan Klinsmann getting both hands on it, the pace was too strong and it went into the net. Game on with plenty of time left.
Celebrating his first #4thofJuly as an American citizen with a goal.
Ilie Sánchez 🫡 pic.twitter.com/MzzL4OGtJJ
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 5, 2023
Galaxy forward Riqui Puig found himself on the end of a great ball into the box on the attack from the home side. He got just enough on it to dribble past McCarthy, regaining the lead for the G’s.
WHAT A RUN BY RIQUI PUIG@RiquiPuig is putting on a show out there! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/JuYaybgH2y
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 5, 2023
LAFC fought, and clawed for another equalizer. An offside call kept Vela’s goal from being counted, and the team came close several times after that. As time dwindled, desperation grew for the visitors. They continued to pepper the goal, but they just couldn’t find the equalizer they needed to share the points at the very least. The best chance of the night came when LAFC defender Maldonado got his head on a ball into the box and sent a pass to the young Nathan Ordaz. Unfortunately the pass, and perhaps the moment, weighed a bit too heavy for him to get anything on it, and he missed the opportunity to bring his side level.
The final whistle came and elation for the side who once called Rose Bowl home. For LAFC, they continue to trend the wrong direction, as the loss sees them slide to third in the Western Conference. The tough stretch continues as the black & gold just can’t seem to get anything going at the moment. They stay in Los Angeles a while, with two matches at BMO upcoming, the first this Saturday against the always pesky San Jose Earthquakes.
Thoughts on the loss at the Rose Bowl? Leave a comment below!