Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Efrain Alvarez (26) brings the ball up against Los Angeles FC midfielder Ilie Sánchez (6) during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Cristian Arango (9) confronts the referee after he call off a goal by his team in VAR during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC defender Mamadou Fall (5) headers the ball against Los Angeles Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljić (99) during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Douglas Costa (10) looks to pass against Los Angeles FC midfielder Kellyn Acosta (23) during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC defender Diego Palacios (12) vies for the ball against Los Angeles Galaxy Kelvin Leerdam during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Sacha Kljestan (16) dribbles the ball against the Los Angeles FC during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC supporters cheer after Los Angeles FC forward Cristian Arango, not pictured scores a goal during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Kévin Cabral (9) attacks the goal against Los Angeles FC defender Mamadou Fall (5) during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Samuel Grandsir (11) brings the ball up the pitch during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) dribbles the ball against Los Angeles FC midfielder Ryan Hollingshead (24) during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC head coach Steve Cherundolo walks of the field at the end of the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Cristian Arango (9) point to the sky after scoring a goal during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney walks off the field at the end of the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Kévin Cabral (9) moves the ball past Los Angeles FC defender Jesús Murillo (3) during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Raheem Edwards (44) attacks the goal against the Los Angeles FC during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Latif Blessing (7) kicks the ball against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the second half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández (14) is fouled by Los Angeles FC midfielder José Cifuentes (11) during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) dribbles the ball during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy defender Séga Coulibaly, right, dribbles the ball past Los Angeles FC midfielder Kellyn Acosta, center, during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC defender Mamadou Fall (5) vies for the ball against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) looks for an open man during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) runs into a Los Angeles Galaxy defender during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC midfielder Kellyn Acosta (23) kicks the ball against Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández (14) during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC staters huddle during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
A Los Angeles Galaxy fan raises his hand prior to the start of the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
A Los Angeles Galaxy fan raises a scarf prior to the start of the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC supports cheer prior to the start of the first half of an MLS season match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Cristian Arango (9) kicks the ball during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
A Los Angeles Galaxy fan raises his scarf prior to the start of the first half of an MLS season match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy fans cheer prior to the start of the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy starters huddle during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy supports erect a tifo of Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández (14) prior to the start of the first half of an MLS season match against the Los Angeles FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy defender Séga Coulibaly (4) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy defender Séga Coulibaly (4) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC midfielder José Cifuentes (11) kicks the ball agains Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Víctor Vázquez (7) during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Helicopters fly over prior to that start of the first half of an MLS season match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández, center, celebrates after scoring a goal against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy defender Julian Araujo (2) recovers the ball against the Los Angeles FC during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Raheem Edwards (44) defends against Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) winds up for a kick during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC midfielder Brian Rodríguez (17) headers the ball against Los Angeles Galaxy defender Derrick Williams (3) during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC midfielder Brian Rodríguez (17) brings the ball up the pitch against Los Angeles Galaxy defender Julian Araujo (2) during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC midfielder Ismael Tajouri (19) kicks the ball against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
Los Angeles FC defender Diego Palacios (12) dribbles the ball against Los Angeles Galaxy defender Julian Araujo (2) during the first half of an MLS season match at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, April 9, 2022. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)
CARSON In just five seasons, the El Trafico series between the Galaxy and Los Angeles Football Club have staged some dramatic endings.
Saturday’s clash is right up there with all of them.
With the Galaxy holding a one-goal lead, LAFC thought it had the tying goal as Latif Blessing scored in the waning stages of the eight additional minutes added at the end of regulation.
However, after the LAFC celebration, referee Chris Penso, took a look at the video review and ruled that in the play, Mamadou Fall was offside, therefore disallowing the goal.
In his response to a pool reporter’s question regarding the call, Penso said: “A review for offside was recommended by the VAR. The referee was shown clear evidence that in the build up prior to the goal being scored, LAFC #5 (Mamadou Fall) was in a clear offside position when the ball was last touched by an attacker, which in this instance was LAFC #7 (Latif Blessing).”
The review suited the Galaxy (4-2, 12 points) just fine, giving it a 2-1 win in front of 25,174 at Dignity Health Sports Park.
“I knew it was offside,” Galaxy left back Raheem Edwards said. “I knew it was offside from the minute it went in. I knew that my guy (Mamadou Fall) ….he was a little bit in front of me, so when he got the ball, I thought maybe he’s offside. I was looking behind me to see if anyone on my team was further back than me.
“When the ball went into the net, I kind of thought that VAR would overturn it. Sometimes you have faith in it (VAR), sometimes you have no faith in it. That’s the game of football.”
The sentiment wasn’t the same for LAFC (4-1-1, 13 points).
“I don’t want to complain about it,” LAFC midfielder Illie Sanchez said. “I think we did everything to deserve at least a tie, if not more but unfortunately this time we have to go home with no points.”
The Galaxy opened the scoring with Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez (13th minute) and Sega Coulilbaly (31st minute).
“Two pretty soft goals from our perspective,” LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo said. “Some lack of concentration and awareness in the box, where you have to be fully aware.”
In the second half, as rivalries usually do, momentum turned. Later, Cristian Arango cut the Galaxy lead in half in the 79th minute.
Chicharito scores twice as Galaxy down Timbers, 3-1
The last 20 minutes or so, including the additional time was wild, even by typical El Trafico standards, as players from both teams, physically spent, were going down with leg cramps.
“A game of two halves, if you will,” Cherundolo said. “I thought we were very unlucky not to get a point tonight.”
The loss was the first of the season for LAFC.
It was a game of near misses for LAFC. In the first half, Carlos Vela had a shot, with an open goal hit the post and LAFC had two goals disallowed due to offside, including a header off of a free kick by Vela that was ruled off.
“Really the only thing that matters today is the three points,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “The game was what it was. We competed, got ourselves a lead …over the course of 90 minutes, we had to work through it.”
The win improves the Galaxy’s overall record against LAFC to 6-3-5 all-time and remains undefeated at home against the rivals (5-0-2). After playing each four times in 2020 and three times last season, the sides are playing just twice this season, which also adds a bit more drama to the rivalry.
“We certainly endured and dealt with things in front of our goal for a good stretch. Nobody wants to give an inch in these games and that’s a big part of it,” Vanney said.”
The next edition is set for July 8 at Banc of California Stadium.
