The Western Conference game was emotional from start to finish – and it ended with LA going six games unbeaten (2S-0L-4D). Boyd scored a golazo in the 26th minute before Puig equalized for Ilie Sánchez’s equalizer in the 73rd minute.
“It was an exciting atmosphere,” said LA head coach and athletic director Greg Vanney. “For me personally, it’s important to be back in the Rose Bowl, to see it in full, to take a moment and recognize how far the league has come from when it started in 1996, to the level where they now face two teams, the competition tonight, the quality of the players on the field – all of it.
“It’s just an incredible venue, an incredible atmosphere and a wonderful game which I think is entertaining as always.”
LAFC have now lost eight of their last 11 games in all competitions, falling after losing the Concacaf Champions League final in early June. However, audiences still found great favor with Black & Gold.
“It felt like it should,” LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo said after the game. “It felt like a playoff game and a real game that matters not only to the 22 players on the field, but to 82,000 people here and in LA. It’s fantastic and a great atmosphere for everyone who was here tonight.”