LAFC defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy on Friday, July 8th, 2022 with a score of 3 to 2 at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The stadium appeared sold out with LAFC fans dressed in black and gold outnumbering Galaxy fans by a lot. Galaxy fans managed to completely fill section 216 as evidenced by the white shirts and jerseys fans wore. This white section contrasted with the north end of the stadium where the boisterous 3252 LAFC fans are at for each game. Before the game, one of LAFC’s newest players Gareth Bale was introduced first to the fans in that 3252 section and then to the entire crowd. The Welshman appeared to enjoy his welcome to Los Angeles.

The first goal of the game was scored by the Ecuadorian Jose Cifuentes at the 17th minute when he headed a well-placed corner from Kellyn Acosta. The game would continue with a disorganized play to end the half. Samuel Grandsir tied the game for Galaxy at the 55th minute kicking it through a crowd after several short passes from his teammates. Cifuentes would retake the lead for his team with his second header at the 70th minute. He deflected a ball put into dangerous territory by the Mexican Carlos Vela. The game’s excitement reverberated through the stadium as fans cheered and clapped. LAFC would extend their lead only a few minutes later with a breakaway goal from Cristian Arango setup by Carlos Vela. The Galaxy cut the lead to 1 with a header by Rayan Raveloson but they were not able to tie the game before the final whistle.

This game serves as an opportunity to remind readers that Los Angele’s Latino community strongly supports LAFC and LA Galaxy by attending games, purchasing merchandise, and working for the teams and their stadiums. Both of Los Angeles’ Major League Soccer teams’ economic success can be traced primarily to Los Angeles’ historical connection to Mexico and the patterns of immigration from Latin America that filled it. The Latinos brought their love of soccer to Los Angeles and shared it with the community. Carlos Vela star of LAFC has won a championship for his Mexican national Team. Javier Hernandez star of LA Galaxy has also represented the Mexican national team, including twice winning CONCACAF’s Gold Cup. And we hope Julian Araujo becomes a big a star as Carlos and Javier.

I would like to close by informing our readers that inflation is apparent everywhere. In Los Angeles’ streets just outside Banc of California Stadium the beloved street vendors have raised the price of their delicious bacon-wrapped hot dogs to $7 or $8, up from $5 just a few years ago. We continue to encourage you to support these hard workers.

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