- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
LAFC secured its eighth playoff appearance in nine MLS campaigns with a 2-2 stalemate against the LA Galaxy on Sunday night in the El Tráfico derby.
Denis Bouanga opened the scoring for LAFC with his 18th goal in 30 league matches this season, finishing a counterattack started by Armindo Sieb. The Galaxy responded through Joseph Paintsil, who netted twice in his first appearance since Aug. 19. His first came via a Robert Taylor setup, and his second followed a rebound spill by Hugo Lloris in the 51st minute.
Leo Walta, a Finland international, equalized for LAFC in the 62nd minute after an Emiro Garces defensive error. Walta has scored twice in four matches since joining the club. Bouanga appeared to win it in injury time, but his finish off a Tyler Boyd bicycle kick assist was ruled offside.
LAFC moved into sixth place in the Western Conference under interim head coach Xavi Tamarit, who has one win and three draws in four matches since taking over Oct. 1. The rivalry series now stands at 10-10-8. Galaxy goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski and defender Justin Haak each made spectacular late saves to preserve the point.
Source: ESPN - Sun Oct 25, 11:43 PM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).