Los Angeles Galaxy II claimed a narrow victory over Los Angeles II in the MLS Next Pro Group Stage, winning 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Titan Stadium on September 6th. The result moves Galaxy II further clear in fourth place with 47 points from 25 games, while LA II remain on 42 points from 26 matches, both sides carrying zero draws through the group stage.
M. Vanney opened the scoring for the hosts in the 29th minute, following a substitution of E. Diaz just moments before. G. Whitchurch responded with an equaliser for Galaxy II six minutes later, and the match settled into a rhythm that neither side could break through regular time. By then, yellow cards had already been shown to S. Kaplan, E. Rodriguez, and S. Hernandez.
The second half saw more changes, with B. Failla coming on for LA II at the break, while Galaxy II introduced G. Arnold and E. Preston together in the 73rd minute. M. Aiyenero replaced another host in the 76th, and Galaxy II brought on R. Dalgado and L. Muller just before the hour-and-a-half mark. Additional substitutions followed for both sides, but the goal mouths stayed quiet.
When the match went to penalties, the drama unfolded in the 120th minute. J. Placias and J. Djieze scored for LA II, but B. Phan missed his spot-kick. Galaxy II were more clinical: D. Guerra and S. Nava converted, though L. Lambert also failed to find the net before E. Martinez sealed the victory for the visitors.
The standings tell a straightforward story. Galaxy II sit four points above LA II after 25 and 26 games respectively, with both teams yet to register a single draw. The hosts have now lost 13 of their 26 matches, while Galaxy II's tally of nine defeats from 25 outings keeps them firmly in the upper reaches of the group.
