Denis Bouanga’s brace, Ryan Hollingshead, and Timothy Tillman’s goals gave Los Angeles FC the win over LA Galaxy on Saturday night with the score 4-2. After a three-game losing streak, LAFC are back to winning ways.
The win gives LAFC momentum and confidence heading into the regular season’s final month.
“A much-needed three points,” Steve Cherundolo said. “I think it was clear from minute one who was winning this game tonight. We were the better team.”
In the first half, LAFC was on the front foot, causing problems for the LA Galaxy. Douanga scored a header passing between Chris Mavinga and Maya Yoshida. Galaxy quickly got the equalizer through Billy Sharp, who drilled the LAFC defense.
LAFC did not give up, and the response by Ryan Hollingshead’s long-shot goal gave LAFC the lead. The goal was his 10th in the last two seasons, the most among MLS defenders.
“This [was] a great chance for us to just change the momentum,” Hollingshead said. “A big-time rivalry win, three points on the board. So a lot of positives for sure to take from this game.”
LA Galaxy didn’t hesitate, evening the score 14 minutes into the second half on a Yoshida header.
16 minutes later, Mavinga gave the ball away, giving LAFC the advantage. The ball went straight to Bouanga, rounding the goalkeeper Jonathan Bond for the simple finish. Bouanga scored 14 goals in 25 matches, giving him 27 goals in all competitions. Timothy Tillman finished the game with six remaining of the second half with a strike.
LAFC finishes the campaign with two wins and one loss against LA Galaxy in the MLS. The Black and Gold have a record of six wins, six losses, and five draws in MLS play against Galaxy, including three straight wins at home.
With the victory, LAFC are now in second place on the Western Conference Table with a game in hand. Meanwhile, St. Louis City remains in first place with 49 points, six points ahead of LAFC.
LAFC travels to St. Louis for the first time and faces St. Louis City FC on Wednesday, September 20, at CITY PARK.
