Late Equalizer Denies LAFC in Wild El Tráfico Finish

A rivalry match that had everything: goals, drama, and complete chaos.

LAFC looked set to secure all three points on a fever-pitched Saturday night at BMO Stadium, but a 97th-minute equalizer from Maya Yoshida capped off a wild 3–3 draw against LA Galaxy in the 26th edition of El Tráfico.

Denis Bouanga and new arrival Javairô Dilrosun struck in the first half to give LAFC a commanding 2–0 lead, both goals coming in a five-minute span. The Galaxy responded with a penalty after Ryan Hollingshead was called for a handball in the box. Gabriel Pec stepped up and converted to cut the deficit just before the break.

Bouanga bagged his second of the night in the 67th minute, finishing off a blistering counterattack to make it 3–1. He now sits at 87 goals in 135 appearances for LAFC — just six shy of Carlos Vela’s all-time club record of 93.

But the Galaxy never stopped pressing. Pec answered again in the 79th with his second goal, and the final stretch turned frantic with LAFC clinging to a narrow lead, down to 10 men after Eddie Segura was sent off in stoppage time.

It all unraveled in the final seconds. A late cross from Mauricio Cuevas found Yoshida at the center of the box, and the veteran defender headed it home to stun BMO and split the points.

Hugo Lloris made several key saves, including a dramatic stop in the 88th minute to deny Christian Ramirez from point-blank range, but LAFC couldn’t hold on.

The result moves LAFC up to fifth in the Western Conference. Still unbeaten at home against the Galaxy since 2020, LAFC will be frustrated after letting a statement win slip away.

Next up: LAFC hosts the Portland Timbers at BMO Stadium on Friday, July 25th at 7:30pm (PST).