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LA Galaxy struggled to get going after having played their 3rd game in just a week. LA Galaxy had the opportunity to claim the top spot in the Western Conference with LAFC still to play Columbus in Ohio later on in the day. The first half was mainly in possession of New York City FC who looked to break down LA Galaxy’s back line with a persistent Anton Tinnerholm causing some trouble down the right wing. Despite Zlatan Ibrahimovic's goal being denied due to an offside at the 27th minute, The New York City FC kept holding on to the possession.
The breakthrough finally came in the 44th minute after a Anton Tinnerholm left footed shot from outside the box was rebounded and tapped in by striker Héber Araujo. The second goal came shortly after a controversial hand ball by Uriel Antuna which lead to a VAR review that resulted into a penalty kick. The penalty was converted by Maximiliano Moralez (45+5), leaving New York City FC with a comfortable 2-0 lead going in into second half.
With a missing Jonathan Dos Santos, recovering from a hamstring injury, Galaxy manager Guillermo Barros decided for a substitute change in the midfield to freshen things up. Diedge Traore was substituted for Emmanuel Boateng. Galaxy came out with a different attitude for the second half and quickly took control of possession of the ball.
LA Galaxy was still finding difficulty to cause any real threat to the New York City’s goal side. Galaxy resorted to putting the balls in the box for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Struggling forward Antuna was substituted in the 71st minute for Chris Pontius.
At 79th minute, Zlatan was denied a shot over the keeper Sean Johnson by defender Alexander Callens. Callens was just on time to stop the obvious goal and deeming the hopes of the crowd.
A frustrated Zlatan attempted another goal at the 85th minute when he chipped over the goalie and hit the crossbar.
Zlatan’s frustration with finding the back of the net was made evident after an apparent aggression with New York City FC goalkeeper Johnson ended in both players receiving yellow cards.
New York City withheld the pressure from LA Galaxy in the last 5 minutes of added stoppage time and has now recorded their third consecutive away game win, the first time in team history. On the other hand, LA Galaxy suffered their first home loss of the season. Up next, LA Galaxy (7-4-1) will host Colorado (0-8-2) at Dignity Health Sports Park next Sunday May 19 with kickoff at 5:00 pm and New York City FC (4-1-6) will pay a visit to Chicago Fire Saturday May 25 with kickoff at 12:30 pm.