Which 2 LA Galaxy Players Were Named 'Team of the Match Day 26?' | OneFootball

Another chapter in El Trafico Clasico went down in the history books on Saturday. If you thought that the 2-2 draw on Rivalry Week was exciting, then this last one won't disappoint.

Back in May, it was midfielder Marco Reus who provided the scoring for the LA Galaxy against LAFC. The former Borussia Dortmund star found the back of the net twice, once in each half.

LAFC's Denis Bouanga added another goal in that game. He entered Saturday with 11 and left BMO Stadium with 12 goals. However, it wouldn't be enough because of these two LA Galaxy players.

Maya Yoshida

The captain of the Los Angeles Galaxy reminded MLS and their fanbase what he is capable of. Yoshida was named to Team of the Match Day 29 last season, almost 11 months ago. He shared those honors with Marco Reus following his debut against Atlanta United.

Yoshida started in that game which was one of the many shutouts the LA Galaxy had last year. On Saturday, it wasn't so much the Japanese-native's defense he was being recognized for.

Shortly after LAFC's Eddie Segura was ejected for an immediate red card, the LA Galaxy capitalized on the one-man advantage. With LAFC having just ten players on the field instead of 11, Mauricio Cuevas was able to find Yoshida for a historic goal.

Not only did the LA Galaxy's third goal come to salvage a tie and prevent a 10th loss to LAFC in El Trafico Clasico, but it set a new record for the latest scored goal in any game by either team in this cross-town rivalry. The previous record was held by Carlos Vela on July 19th, 2019, exactly four years ago.

The LA Galaxy also scored three goals in that contest but held on for a 3-2 win over their bitter MLS Western Conerenc nemesis. Yoshida's first goal of the 2025 MLS season couldn't have come at a better time for the defending champions.

Gabriel Pec

The 2024 MLS Newcomer of the Year reminded fans that he's capable of going off in a game. Last month, Pec scored twice in the 3-3 draw against St Louis City SC on the road. If it weren't for Joao Klauss's completion of his hat trick (three goals), the LA Galaxy would have won, 3-2.

Once again, when the Brazilian-born talent scores more than once this season, his team settles for a 3-3 tie. Pec now has five goals on the season. In honor of his stat line and presence in the tie against LAFC, the second-year Galaxy player was named on the bench for the 'Team of the Match Day #26.'

With a few days of rest, the Los Angeles Galaxy return to the field for their 25th regular season game against the Houston Dynamo on Friday, July 25th.