New York City Football Club and Los Angeles Football Club draw as Son hits the post late

Changed lineup and early chances

New York made three changes to its starting lineup. Kevin O’Toole, Hannes Wolf and Luighi came in for Nico Cavallo, Bénie Traoré and Alonso Martínez.

Los Angeles threatened early on a counterattack when Jacob Shaffelburg crossed for Son Heung-Min, whose header was deflected wide. At the other end, Agustin Ojeda sent a cross toward Luighi, but Aaron Long and Nkosi Tafari intervened to clear before New York could capitalize.

Walta breaks through near halftime

Denis Bouanga volleyed a cross from Son over the bar. O’Toole later stopped Bouanga inside the box with a sliding tackle. The opening goal arrived in first-half stoppage time, with Leo Walta scoring from a free kick in the 45+1 minute.

Son had earned the free kick when he was fouled 30 yards out. Walta curled his effort inside Matt Freese’s left post for his first Los Angeles goal, in his third appearance and second start.

Freese also saved another Walta free kick near halftime, keeping the visitors’ advantage to a single goal heading into the second half.

Perea heads New York level

New York forced Hugo Lloris into two saves in the opening ten minutes after the break. Nicolás Fernández Mercau then delivered the equalizing corner, which Andres Perea met with a powerful header at the near post in the 59th minute.

Son strikes the post late

In second-half stoppage time, Bouanga broke down the left, but his low cross was cleared before reaching Son. Son also struck the inside of the post with a right-footed shot from inside the box in the final seconds. Neither side found a winner.