MLS Record Crowd of 82,000 Witnesses Galaxy's Victory over LAFC

Los Angeles Galaxy beat Los Angeles FC in front of MLS-record crowd.

In a thrilling match at the Rose Bowl, the Los Angeles Galaxy emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Los Angeles FC. The game attracted a staggering 82,110 spectators, setting a new MLS record for attendance. The previous record was held by Charlotte with 74,479 spectators during their debut in MLS last year, which also featured the Galaxy.

To ensure the record-breaking attendance, the Galaxy decided to move the game from their usual 27,000-capacity Dignity Health Sports Park to the iconic Rose Bowl, which hosted the 1994 World Cup final. Despite their poor performance this season, sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference, the Galaxy showed great enthusiasm for the highly anticipated 'El Trafico' match.

The Galaxy took the lead in the 26th minute when Tyler Boyd made a brilliant solo run from the left and unleashed a spectacular curling shot into the far corner of the net. However, the defending MLS champions, LAFC, fought back and equalized in the 57th minute. Timothy Tillman delivered a dangerous near-post corner, and Ilie Sanchez expertly headed the ball into the net at the perfect angle.

Undeterred, the Galaxy continued to push forward with determination. Their efforts paid off in the 73rd minute when Brazilian Douglas Costa played a precise pass out to Boyd on the left flank. Boyd made a blistering run down the wing and delivered a low cross. Riqui Puig, who had sprinted half the length of the field, slid in to meet the cross and scored the winning goal.

LAFC had opportunities to level the score late in the game, but Denis Bouanga missed a close-range header and saw his fierce shot well-saved by Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann.

In other MLS matches, Inter Miami secured a point with a late equalizer from Venezuelan Josef Martinez against the Columbus Crew. Despite falling behind to a Darlington Nagbe volley, Miami fought back with a header from Leonardo Campana. The Crew regained the lead through Christian Ramirez, but Martinez's acrobatic volley in the final minute salvaged a draw for Miami.

Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney's DC United celebrated a 1-0 victory over FC Dallas, thanks to a 73rd-minute goal from Greek forward Taxiarchis Fountas. Orlando City dominated troubled Toronto, winning 4-0. Toronto's Federico Bernardeschi was sent off for an off-the-ball incident, further adding to their woes.

In conclusion, the Los Angeles Galaxy's thrilling victory over Los Angeles FC in front of a record-breaking crowd at the Rose Bowl showcased the intensity and passion of MLS matches. Despite their struggles this season, the Galaxy displayed great determination and teamwork to secure the win. The MLS continues to provide exciting and memorable moments for soccer fans across the United States.