Western Conference rivals LA Galaxy and LAFC produced show-stopping Decision Day dramatics as LAFC ultimately sits atop the West going into the post-season.
Heading into the final day of play, both clubs had a chance at clinching the top spot in the conference based on results and head-to-head tie-breakers, but it would be the Black and Gold who had the last laugh to bookend the 2024 season.
After LAFC sealed a 3-1 win at home against San Jose Earthquakes, the Galaxy were gifted a stoppage-time penalty after Riqui Puig was brought down in the box before Gabriel Pec converted the resulting spot-kick to pull the club level on the night at one-all.
But just as the Galaxy thought they lept ahead of their rivals, Houston Dynamo turned spoiler in the 11th minute of stoppage time when Daniel Steres headed home inside the box to rescue three points while ending Galaxy’s chances of claiming the top spot in the West.
A potential Western Conference final between the two rivals remains a legitimate possibility.
What a night of action!
Photo Credit: © Kiyoshi Mio | 2024 Oct 19