Overview
- LAFC clinched a spot in the 2026 MLS playoffs after rallying from two goals down for a 2-2 draw with the LA Galaxy in the derby at BMO Stadium on Sunday.
- Galaxy forward Joseph Paintsil scored twice to give Los Angeles a 2-0 lead before Denis Bouanga scored in the 53rd minute and Leo Walta equalized in the 62nd minute.
- An earlier Son Heung-min goal was wiped out by an offside ruling after a VAR review and a late Bouanga redirection was ruled offside in stoppage time, while Galaxy keeper JT Marcinkowski and defender Justin Haak made key saves to preserve the draw.
- The result leaves LAFC sixth in the Western Conference with 47 points and an unbeaten four-match run under interim coach Xavi Tamarit, and leaves the Galaxy ninth with 41 points and two regular-season matches remaining to secure their playoff fate.
- The Galaxy played without Marco Reus and Hirving Lozano, which altered their lineup and now places pressure on their remaining games to keep their wild-card hopes alive while LAFC prepares for the postseason in its eighth appearance in nine seasons.