Los Angeles FC 2-2 LA Galaxy: Hosts Fight Back in Derby to Clinch Playoff Spot

Denis Bouanga and Leo Walta struck in quick succession as Los Angeles FC came from behind to draw 2-2 with LA Galaxy at home in a breathtaking Los Angeles derby.

LAFC went into the MLS clash at BMO Stadium knowing a point would secure a playoff berth, but they faced the prospect of defeat after Joseph Paintsil put the Galaxy 2-0 up.

Son Heung-min had a close-range goal ruled out for offside in the 28th minute. Although LAFC held the upper hand, it was LA Galaxy who struck first: Paintsil made the most of a neat pass from Robert Taylor to fire the visitors ahead.

In the 51st minute, Paintsil punished a major error from Hugo Lloris to make it 2-0, opening the door to a crucial win for the Galaxy.

LAFC refused to give up, however, and just two minutes later Bouanga capitalized on a mistake by Galaxy goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski to halve the deficit. The comeback was complete nine minutes after that, when Walta poked home from close range after Son's cross deflected off a defender to level at 2-2.

Bouanga thought he had won it for LAFC late on, but another goal for the hosts did not stand. Even so, the point was enough for LAFC to confirm their place in the playoffs after the regular season.

Bouanga Remains the Galaxy's Nightmare

LAFC's star attackers were to the fore throughout, with Son and Bouanga in particular playing a major role going forward. With this match, Bouanga has now scored against LA Galaxy in eight consecutive regular-season games.

Bouanga finished with four shots (two on target) and generated 1.17 of LAFC's total expected goals (xG) of 2.68. Son, meanwhile, was the most productive player on the pitch, creating four scoring chances over the course of the match.

"I love playing against them. I score a lot of goals against this team and I really enjoy it. We can definitely do big things in the playoffs. I know some teams won't want to face us," Bouanga said after the match.

While LAFC have booked their playoff ticket, LA Galaxy sit ninth in the Western Conference with two regular-season games remaining.