---
title: "LAFC's Road Point Quest Ends in Draw Against NYCFC"
url: https://newscentral.site/lafc-s-road-point-quest-ends-in-draw-against-nycfc/
language: en
publisher: "News Central Site"
section: "Sports"
published: 2026-10-18T03:05:01.000Z
updated: 2026-10-18T03:36:35.381Z
id: 9cc5c128-b8c2-4eb8-9b20-35d4d34c7616
source: "Yahoo Sports https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/walta-scores-first-lafc-goal-030501303.html"
attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/lafc-s-road-point-quest-ends-in-draw-against-nycfc/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# LAFC's Road Point Quest Ends in Draw Against NYCFC

The match between LAFC and NYCFC ended in a 1-1 draw, with LAFC now standing at 12-9-10 and needing more road points to secure a playoff spot.

LAFC's quest for crucial road points at Citi Field ended in a 1-1 draw against NYCFC on Saturday evening, leaving them with just one point from their trip.

The Black & Gold now stand at 12-9-10 and will have to wait until the next matchday to secure a spot in the playoffs. This draw comes as LAFC continues to navigate their season, seeking consistency on the road.

Interim head coach Xavi Tamarit described the game as "very tight, acknowledging that his team faced unique challenges due to the smaller pitch and lack of freshness. However, he emphasized that these factors were not excuses for the result but rather a reflection of the team's resilience.

NYCFC, struggling with just one win in their last 13 competitions, was highly motivated to turn their season around, and their 8-12-9 record kept them within striking distance of the playoffs.

LAFC's fortunes changed in the first half of stoppage time when forward Leo Walta unleashed a powerful free-kick strike that left opposing goalkeeper Matt Freese stunned as the ball sailed into the back of the net.

Walta's stunning effort marked his first MLS goal and gave LAFC the much-needed momentum ahead of the second half. The 23-year-old loanee from Swansea City had been practicing for this moment his whole life, and it showed in his confident approach to the free-kick attempt.

LAFC fans were left cheering as Walta celebrated his historic goal, while on social media, LAFC's official account tweeted a photo of the Finnish player's remarkable strike with the caption WHAT A FINNISH 🇫🇮 Leo Walta from distance for his first goal in Black & Gold."

Despite their earlier struggle to find the back of the net, New York City FC refused to give up and continued to push forward, eventually finding an equalizer in the 59th minute.

The game remained intense as both teams continued to push for a winning goal, each side creating opportunities that were narrowly missed.

LAFC's midfielder Andrés Perea was the one who finally found the back of the net when he headed home a well-placed free kick from Nicolás Fernández Mercau, but Hugo Lloris managed to get a glove on it before it could be secured.

Despite the efforts of both teams, neither LAFC nor New York City FC (NYCFC) were able to break through and secure a decisive lead in the match.

LA's Heung-Min Son had one final chance to steal the win for his team with a shot from the right side that rang off the left post, but ultimately it was not enough as the game ended in a draw.

The draw against NYCFC marked LA's second consecutive match against the New York team to end in a tie, following their first encounter in 2021 which also ended 2-2 at Yankee Stadium.

LAFC will now shift focus to their upcoming home game against the LA Galaxy on October 25th. The Galaxy is fighting for a spot in the playoff picture and currently trails by only three points.

The Black & Gold will look to capitalize on this opportunity, eager not just to spoil their rivals' chances but also to gain ground in the Western Conference standings.

---
Source: [Yahoo Sports](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/walta-scores-first-lafc-goal-030501303.html)  
Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/lafc-s-road-point-quest-ends-in-draw-against-nycfc/