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LAFC Dominates Galaxy 3-0 in West Coast Derby

LAFC secured a decisive 3-0 victory over host LA Galaxy on Saturday, with goals from Delgado, Bouanga, and Son Heung-Min.

Briar Keller

July 18, 20261 min read

Victory and Celebration - illustration, Jake Team LLC
Victory and Celebration - illustration, Jake Team LLC
MLSFinal
LAFC3
LA Galaxy0

July 18, 2026

A Shutout for the Visitors

LAFC delivered a comprehensive performance to defeat LA Galaxy 3-0 on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The visiting side controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, ensuring the hosts could not find any foothold in the match.

The final tally reflected a complete team effort, with the defense holding firm to preserve a clean sheet against a Galaxy attack that struggled to break through.

Early Pressure Pays Off

The visitors struck first in the 26th minute, breaking the deadlock through Mark Delgado. The goal shifted the momentum firmly in LAFC’s favor, putting pressure on the home defense. Before the halftime break, LAFC doubled their advantage in stoppage time.

Denis Bouanga added a second goal in the 45th minute plus one, extending the lead and leaving the Galaxy with a significant mountain to climb in the second half.

Sealing the Victory

LAFC made no mistake in taking the lead, and they continued to press after the interval. Son Heung-Min capitalized on the sustained pressure to score the third goal in the 57th minute. This strike effectively ended any hope of a comeback, as the Galaxy were unable to respond. The match concluded with the visitors maintaining their composure and discipline, resulting in a comfortable win.

Statistical Standouts

While the result was clear, individual performances highlighted the disparity between the two sides. Son Heung-Min was the most active attacker for LAFC, registering six total shots. For the Galaxy, Lucas Sanabria led the team in shooting with four attempts, though he lacked support in converting those chances.

In goal, Hugo Lloris for LAFC and Novak Micovic for LA Galaxy each recorded two saves. The win improved LAFC’s record to 7-3-5, while LA Galaxy fell to 5-5-5.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/761664

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Briar Keller

Briar Keller covers Saratoga high school and area college sports.

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