LAFC defeats crosstown rival LA Galaxy 3-2 in the latest edition of El Trafico

LAFC #11 Jose Cifuentra (Midfielder) scored two goals against cross-town rival LA Galaxy at the Banc of California Stadium. Photo by Jerry Kelly/TGSportstv1.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Jose Cifuentes scored two goals and Cristian Arango added a third goal to give LAFC a 3-2 win over rival LA Galaxy on Friday night at the Banc of California Stadium.

Galaxy scored two second-half goals but it wasn't enough in another El Trafico classic. This win snapped a four-game winless streak for LAFC against the Galaxy. LAFC remains atop the MLS standings with a 12-4-3 record and 39 points.

LAFC got on the board in the 17th minute when Cinfuentes headed home a Kellyn Acosta corner kick for a 1-0 lead. The Galaxy equalized the score in the 55th minute with a goal from Samuel Grandsir.

Cifuentes scored his second goal of the match in the 70th minute when he headed in a cross from Carlos Vela to give LAFC a 2-1 lead. Two minutes later, Vela set up Arango for a right-footed shot from outside the box to give LAFC a 3-1 lead.

Vela has a team-high eight assists on the season and now has a goal or assist in five of its last six matches. His eight assists are tied for third-most in MLS this season.

In the 81st minute, Rayan Ravelson headed home a goal from the center of the box to cut the lead to 3-2.

LAFC will hit the road on Sunday, July 17 when they take on Nashville SC. The black and gold will officially welcome Garett Bale to the club in a press conference on Monday, July 11 at the Banc of California Stadium. Bale was in attendance at the El Trafico and was presented to the crowd.

The Galaxy will be back in action when they host San Jose on Wednesday, July 13