Saturday’s El Tráfico matchup between the Galaxy and LAFC lost most of its luster about an hour before kickoff when Carlos Vela was scratched, robbing it of an anticipated showdown between Vela and World Cup teammate Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.
Ignored in all the pregame hype was another member of that Mexican national team, Galaxy captain Jonathan dos Santos. But he took on a starring role in Vela’s absence, banging home the deciding goal in the 79th minute to give the Galaxy a 2-1 win before a crowd limited to 7,193 at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Diego Rossi, last year’s MLS scoring leader, accounted for the LAFC score in the 62nd minute.