Los Angeles FC won the MLS top match against city rivals L.A. Galaxy 2:1 and underpinned their lead in the West. In the East, Inter Miami stay ahead even without their top stars
When Inter Miami won 3-2 at Kansas City on April 13, 72,610 fans were in attendance at Arrowhead Stadium. This MLS season record wobbled alarmingly on Friday night (CEST), but did not fall. The derby between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Los Angeles FC was watched by 70,076 spectators in the legendary Rose Bowl, which has hosted the Super Bowl several times and where Brazil became world champions in 1994. The Galaxy had regularly played their home games there until 2002.
This time it was the visitors who ended up celebrating: LAFC, unbeaten since May, celebrated their ninth win in the last ten games with a 2:1 victory and thus defended their lead in the Western Conference table. The Galaxy, previously level on points, slipped to third place behind Real Salt Lake, who had already claimed a 3-2 win over Houston Dynamo the previous day.
Kei Kamara’s corner (39′) and Denis Bouanga’s penalty (44′) laid the foundations for the team led by ex-Bundesliga professional Timothy Tillman and world champion Hugo Lloris in Los Angeles shortly before the break. The assist for the opening goal was provided by 22-year-old Pole Mateusz Bogusz, who has been directly involved in at least one goal in each of his last ten appearances. Bouanga, who now has 14 goals this season, converted his sixth penalty of the season. The hosts came close again through Gabriel Pec (56′), but were unable to avert defeat after four straight wins
Gressel sets up Inter victory
In the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami had previously defended their top spot with a 2:1 win at Charlotte FC on Wednesday night. Without Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, who are currently away at the Copa America, 19-year-old Benjamin Cremaschi scored the late winner (86′) after a strong, low cross from Julian Gressel. FC Cincinnati remained hot on Inter’s heels with a 3:2 win at DC United.
