LA Galaxy and New York City FC share points in 1-1 draw to open 2026 MLS season

For Matchday 1 of the 2026 MLS, LA Galaxy and NYCFC opened the season with a 1-1 draw.

LA Galaxy hosted New York City FC on Matchday 1 of the 2026 MLS season at Dignity Health Sports Park. With goals from Joao Klauss and Nicolas Fernandez, the Galaxy and the Boys in Blue ultimately shared the points in an entertaining 1-1 draw.

The home side got off to a flying start, as Marco Reus slipped a backheel pass to Klauss, who netted his first official goal for the club from inside the box just two minutes into the match. From that moment on, NYCFC, despite dominating possession, struggled to test goalkeeper Novak Micovic, failing to register a shot on target in the first half.

With LA Galaxy settling into a defensive shape, it seemed only a matter of time before another clear chance arrived. Instead, after a well-weighted through ball into the area, Fernandez was brought down by Carlos Garces, and following a VAR review, referee Victor Rivas awarded a penalty. Already on a booking, the defender was sent off in the 64th minute.

In the 66th minute, Fernandez converted from the spot to level the match, and with momentum on its side, NYCFC pushed for a late winner. Near the final whistle, Keaton Parks missed a header that could have sealed the victory for the visitors, leaving both teams to settle for a draw in their opening match of the MLS campaign.