LAFC wins its FIRST-EVER El Trafico at LA Galaxy in its history with incredible 3-2 thriller

LAFC produced a historic performance to defeat the LA Galaxy 3-2 in its first-ever victory at the home of its bitter rivals. 

Since its MLS debut in 2018 the reigning MLS Cup Winners had never won at Dignity Health Sports Park – though, that changed thanks to star striker Carlos Vela and Ryan Hollingshead. 

El Trafico certainly lived up to the billing with both teams fiercely contesting a pulsating 90-minute contest. 

The road team opened the scoring through a Carlos Vela curler, sending the visiting faithful into delirium just 22 minutes in. 

LA Galaxy’s Tyler Boyd responded with a stunning leveler – his first MLS goal, no less – four minutes from the break.

Carlos Vela was unsurprisingly the difference making with a brace and an assist in the 3-2 win

An awfully clumsy challenge from Galaxy defender Séga Coulibaly gifted Vela a penalty and in turn, a brace after coolly stroking home from the spot. 

Holligshead made it 3-1 with a bullet header in 70 minutes, and it seemed the former UCLA man had put El Trafico to bed. 

Though, with nine of the previous 17 matches between the LA teams having featured five goals or more, it was obvious more drama was to unfold. 

Marco Delgado gave the hosts a glimmer of tying the game at three, but could not find the crucial third despite nine minutes added time.  

There were several chances for the Galaxy to grab a late leveler, but instead they endure another unwanted piece of history in a season so far filled with misery. 

The Galaxy sit second-last in the West, with just three points in the opening seven games.  

Meanwhile, LAFC can supersede St. Louis at the apex of the Western Conference if they are to win their game in hand. 

The LA Galaxy could not halt Vela’s impact and it cost them another unwanted piece of history