LA Galaxy vs St. Louis City preview

United States flag 2026 Major League Soccer, United States
Dignity Health Sports Park Thu, 23 Jul - 2:30 AM
Major League Soccer
LA GalaxyLAG
1 3
St. Louis CityLOU
Full Time Thu, 23 Jul 2:30 AM
Regular Season
Goal
|
Goal
Marcel Hartel - 45+1'
Simon Becher - 68'
Carlos Garcés 49' Second yellow card
|

CONTEXT

LA Galaxy hosted St. Louis City in a match that concluded with a final score of 1-3 in favor of the visitors. The halftime score stood at 0-2 after St. Louis City established an early advantage. LA Galaxy recorded 47 percent possession compared to 53 percent for St. Louis City while generating 1.17 expected goals against 1.19 for the away side. A red card was issued to LA Galaxy during the contest which altered the flow of play in the second half. St. Louis City entered as the stronger team and secured the victory in line with the narrow expected goals differential of minus 0.02. The outcome remained consistent with the underlying metrics despite the structural elements present. The game featured adjustments primarily driven by the red card event that influenced second half dynamics.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: St. Louis City exhibited significant deviation from pre-match expectations in securing the result.
  • Efficiency shift: Team efficiencies remained in line with overall performance indicators throughout the match.
  • xG alignment: The 1-3 scoreline aligned with the close expected goals values of 1.17 to 1.19.
  • Market alignment: The final outcome proved consistent with available pre-match indicators.
  • xG expectations: Expected goals projected a tightly contested match given the minimal differential.
  • Event impact: The red card issued to LA Galaxy shaped second half adjustments and flow.
  • Red card distortion: The single red card created measurable distortion in match dynamics after halftime.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
M. Badawi
M. Badawi
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.4
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
I. McKay
I. McKay
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
F. Mariscal
F. Mariscal
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
B. Stevis
B. Stevis
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
LA Galaxy G. Vanney
G. Vanney
VS
St. Louis City Y. Damet
Y. Damet
1.25
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.27
1.33 i
Last 6 Opponents
Los Angeles FC Rank: 70 L
Houston Dynamo Rank: 62 D
Seattle Sounders Rank: 68 W
Sporting KC Rank: 52 L
Atlanta United Rank: 55 W
Vancouver Whitecaps Rank: 72 D
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
2.17 i
Last 6 Opponents
Sporting KC Rank: 51 W
Austin Rank: 59 W
DC United Rank: 55 D
Los Angeles FC Rank: 72 W
Colorado Rapids Rank: 62 W
Austin Rank: 59 L
0
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
0 - 2 - 2
2

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
61.17
62.76
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
LA Galaxy
St. Louis City
Power Score
61.17
62.76
League Position
10
8
Global Rank
509
453

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
LA Galaxy — Opponent-weighted form score
St. Louis City — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) LA Galaxy St. Louis City

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

LA Galaxy

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

St. Louis City

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Possession Efficiency Possession-Adjusted

How effectively each team uses and defends their share of possession. Efficiency adjusted based on team possession percentage

LA Galaxy ⚠ Proxy
vs
⚠ Proxy St. Louis City
Attacking Efficiency
Higher is better
Attacking Efficiency
30.43
33.40
Defensive Efficiency
Lower is better
Defensive Efficiency
33.40
30.43
Combined Efficiency Index Z-score combining attacking and defensive possession-adjusted efficiency.
Positive = above league average.
Negative = below league average.
Formula: EfficiencyIndex = z(AttackEff) − z(DefenceEff)
-3 0 3
LA Galaxy -0.21 Efficiency Index
vs
St. Louis City +0.21 Efficiency Index
xG data unavailable for both teams. Values estimated using shots and dangerous attacks (proxy). Confidence: Medium.
LA Galaxy
St. Louis City
AttackEff = xG ÷ pos
DefenceEff = xGA ÷ (1−pos)

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

LA Galaxy
vs
St. Louis City
Created Set-piece attacking threat
LA Galaxy St. Louis City
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
0%
19%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
+0.00 vs -0.23
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
LA Galaxy St. Louis City
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
19%
0%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.23 vs +0.00
LA Galaxy
St. Louis City
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
LA Galaxy
vs
St. Louis City
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
LA Galaxy St. Louis City
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
LA Galaxy 0.17
St. Louis City 0.28
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
LA Galaxy St. Louis City
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
LA Galaxy 0.06
St. Louis City 0.02
LA Galaxy
St. Louis City
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • LAG had peak pressure around 40'.
  • LOU started the game with stronger pressure.
LAG Pressure LOU Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: LAG reached the top pressure at 40' (100.00).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 4 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

LA Galaxy LAG Home
4 matches
St. Louis City LOU Away
Match Record
0
Wins
2
2
Draws
2
2
Losses
0
Goals
7
Goals Scored
11
11
Goals Conceded
7
-4
Goal Difference
+4
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-07-24T00:01:56+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-1-4-1
Match Formation 3-4-1-2
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Jul 23, 2026, 02:30 AM
Competition
2026 Major League Soccer, United States · Regular Season
Stadium
Dignity Health Sports Park
Capacity
27000
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Malik Badawi
Ian McKay
Felisha Mariscal
Brandon Stevis

Statistics

Possession
LAG
48%
LOU
52%

Top Statistics

1 Goals 3
2 Big Chances Created 3
3 Shots 3
66 Dangerous attacks 54
47 Possession 53
4 Corners 7
16 Free kicks 11
4 Yellow Cards 1
1 Red Cards 0

Match Overview

65 Ball Safe 60
2 Goal Kicks 4
6 Goal Attempts 11
5 Substitutions 5
21 Throwins 18
0 Hit Woodwork 1
9 Successful Headers 11
0 Assists 3
0 Injuries 1
22 Dribble Attempts 4
12 Successful Dribbles 1
55 Successful Dribbles Percentage 25

Attacking

113 Attacks 93
1 Big Chances Missed 1

Possession

44 Long Passes 45
432 Passes 491
355 Successful Passes 425
82 Successful Passes Percentage 87
7 Key Passes 12
17 Successful Long Passes 23
39 Successful Long Passes Percentage 51

Defensive

6 Saves 2
11 Tackles 16
10 Interceptions 17
48 Duels Won 39

Build-up

10 Total Crosses 14
3 Accurate Crosses 3

Discipline

3 Offsides 2
11 Fouls 16

Lineup

Referee : Malik Badawi

Starting XI ▼

12
JT Marcinkowski
JT Marcinkowski Goalkeeper
7.2
2
Miki Yamane
Miki Yamane Defender
6.75
5
Jakob Glesnes
Jakob Glesnes Defender
6.25
14
John Nelson
John Nelson Defender
6.33
3
Julián Aude
Julián Aude
Defender64'
6.42
25
Carlos Garcés
Carlos Garcés Defender
5.59
8
Lucas Sanabria
Lucas Sanabria Midfielder
6.95
16
Isaiah Parente
Isaiah Parente
Midfielder64'
6.44
15
Justin Haak
Justin Haak Midfielder
6.33
22
Elijah Wynder
Elijah Wynder Midfielder
6.46
4
Maya Yoshida
Maya Yoshida
Defender74'
6.44
26
Harbor Miller
Harbor Miller Midfielder
6.62
28
Joseph Paintsil
Joseph Paintsil Midfielder
6.56
76
Troy Elgersma
Troy Elgersma
Midfielder74'
7.44
18
Marco Reus
Marco Reus (C) Attacker
6.46
21
Robert Taylor
Robert Taylor
Midfielder59'
6.84
Referee : Malik Badawi

Starting XI ▼

1
Roman Bürki
Roman Bürki Goalkeeper
6.75
5
Lukas MacNaughton
Lukas MacNaughton Defender
7.4
99
Jaziel Orozco
Jaziel Orozco
Defender62'
6.25
21
Dante Polvara
Dante Polvara Defender
6.94
32
Timo Baumgartl
Timo Baumgartl Defender
7.06
8
Chris Durkin
Chris Durkin Midfielder
7.01
14
Tomas Totland
Tomas Totland Midfielder
7.4
24
Daniel Ethan Edelman
Daniel Ethan Edelman Midfielder
7.09
28
Miguel Perez
Miguel Perez
Midfielder86'
59
MyKhi Joyner
MyKhi Joyner Midfielder
6.24
20
Rafael Santos
Rafael Santos
Defender62'
6.29
10
Eduard Löwen
Eduard Löwen Attacker
6.5
77
Sang-bin Jeong
Sang-bin Jeong
Attacker62'
6.78
11
Simon Becher
Simon Becher Attacker
7.64
29
Palmer Ault
Palmer Ault
Midfielder86'
17
Marcel Hartel
Marcel Hartel (C) Attacker
9.96

Events

2ND-HALF
Event
Troy Elgersma
Left foot shot / 4th Goal
86'
86'
Event
Palmer Ault → Simon Becher
9th Substitution
86'
Event
Miguel Perez → Daniel Ethan Edelman
10th Substitution
Event
Troy Elgersma → Joseph Paintsil
7th Substitution
74'
Event
Maya Yoshida  → Elijah Wynder
8th Substitution
74'
Event
Jakob Glesnes
Argument / 4th Yellowcard
71'
68'
Event
Simon Becher
Right foot shot / 3rd Goal
Event
Julián Aude → John Nelson
5th Substitution
64'
Event
Isaiah Parente → Lucas Sanabria
6th Substitution
64'
62'
Event
Sang-bin Jeong → Eduard Löwen
2nd Substitution
62'
Event
Jaziel Orozco → Lukas MacNaughton
3rd Substitution
62'
Event
Rafael Santos → MyKhi Joyner
4th Substitution
Event
Robert Taylor → Marco Reus
1st Substitution
59'
56'
Event
Lukas MacNaughton
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
Event
Carlos Garcés
Time wasting / 1st Yellow/red Card
49'
1ST-HALF
Event
Marco Reus
Argument / 2nd Yellowcard
45+2'
Event
Carlos Garcés
Argument / 1st Yellowcard
45+1'
45+1'
Event
Marcel Hartel
Right foot shot / 2nd Goal
42'
Event
Lukas MacNaughton
Header / 1st Goal

Match Commentary

90
Attempt Attempt
Palmer Ault takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
90
Attempt Attempt
Robert Taylor takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
90
Attempt Attempt
Rafael Lucas Cardoso dos Santos takes a left-footed shot, but it's blocked.
88
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
87
Update Update
Miguel Perez is on, and Daniel Edelman is off.
86
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
86
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
86
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Troy Elgersma takes a left-footed shot and scores.
86
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 1-3.
79
Attempt Attempt
Shot taken, but it's saved.
78
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
74
Substitution Substitution
Maya Yoshida is substituted for Elijah Wynder.
74
Substitution Substitution
Troy Elgersma is substituted off for Joseph Paintsil.
73
Update Update
Offside.
73
Attempt Attempt
Elijah Wynder takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
72
Attempt Attempt
Simon Becher takes a left-footed shot, but it's saved.
72
Attempt Attempt
Marcel Hartel takes a right-footed shot but misses.
71
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued.
71
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
68
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Simon Becher scores with a right-footed shot.
68
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Simon Becher scores, making it 3-0.
66
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
65
Update Update
Isaiah Parente is on, and Lucas Agustin Sanabria Magole is off.
64
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
63
Attempt Attempt
Simon Becher takes a right-footed shot but misses.
63
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
62
Substitution Substitution
Rafael Lucas Cardoso dos Santos is substituted off for Mykhi Joyner.
62
Update Update
Jaziel Orozco Landeros comes on for Lukas MacNaughton.
62
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
62
Attempt Attempt
Mykhi Joyner takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
61
Attempt Attempt
Harbor Miller takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
59
Update Update
Robert Taylor replaces Marco Reus.
57
Update Update
Offside.
56
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card.
53
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
52
Attempt Attempt
Marcel Hartel takes a right-footed shot but misses.
49
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Second yellow card issued to Carlos Emiro Torres Garces.
49
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card.
48
Red Card Red Card Important
Red card issued.
48
Attempt Attempt
Joseph Paintsil takes a right-footed shot but misses.
46
Update Update
Offside.
45
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card issued.
45
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Marcel Hartel takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
45
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Yellow card.
45
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 0-2.
44
Attempt Attempt
Marco Reus takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
42
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Shot - Lukas MacNaughton Head Shot Goal
42
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Lukas MacNaughton scores, making it 1-0.
42
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! The score is now 0-1.
41
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
41
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
41
Attempt Attempt
Simon Becher takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
39
Attempt Attempt
Harbor Miller takes a left-footed shot, but it's blocked.
38
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
37
Attempt Attempt
Miki Yamane takes a right-footed shot but misses.
36
Attempt Attempt
Miki Yamane takes a right-footed shot but misses.
35
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
30
Attempt Attempt
Joseph Paintsil takes a left-footed shot but misses.
27
Update Update
Offside.
25
Corner Corner
Corner awarded.
22
Update Update
Offside.
7
Attempt Attempt
Simon Becher takes a left-footed shot, but it is saved.
7
Attempt Attempt
Marcel Hartel takes a right-footed shot that hits the post.
1
Update Update
Kick-off! The referee is Malik Badawi.

CONCLUSION

St. Louis City claimed a decisive 1-3 away victory over LA Galaxy after leading 0-2 at the interval. The narrow expected goals margin reflected a competitive encounter that ultimately favored the stronger side. Possession edges and the red card event combined to shift momentum in the second period. LA Galaxy struggled to overcome the numerical disadvantage while St. Louis City maintained control to extend their lead. Metrics indicated consistency between on field results and underlying data points. The performance highlighted how key incidents can amplify advantages for the leading team. Overall the contest demonstrated effective adaptation by St. Louis City following the early dominance and subsequent disruption.