LA Galaxy vs. Austin FC ends in a draw at Coachella Valley Invitational | OneFootball

The Los Angeles Galaxy did much better in this game compared to the closed-door match against NYFC. Following a late game heartbreaker that saw the defending MLS Cup winners lose 2-0, they walked away with a 1-1 tie against Austin FC.

Just like in the game against NYFC, the Galaxy held their opponent scoreless for nearly another 80 minutes. This time, a score from Austin FC erased the LA Galaxy's 1-0 lead.

Gabriel Pec found the back of the net for the first time in 2025. Within the game's first eight minutes, the LA Galaxy forward gave his team their first lead of the new year. Ruben Ramos, Jr. was credited with the assist.

The Brazilian striker was able to dance and maneuver with ease around a fellow Brazilian soccer player in Guilherme Biro. The defender for Austin FC could not prevent Pec from scoring.

Austin FC came back with a response at the 79th minute when Osman Bukari cleaned up a rebound on a miss from his teammate, Owen Wolff. The assist off of Bukari's goal went to Antonio Gomez.

It is great to see the LA Galaxy score and score early. The LA Galaxy is without injured midfielder Riqui Puig. He was a major part of the team's offense in 2024.

To make matters worse, the Galaxy also recently traded forward Dejan Joveljic to Sporting Kansas City. Two midfielders were sent packing prior to this transaction when Gaston Brugman was sent to Nashville SC for Sean Davis and Marky Delgado now plays for rival LAFC.

The LA Galaxy are expected to make a move for another striker to replace Joveljic (and Puig). The 30th season for MLS kicks off Saturday, February 23rd.

Both teams, the Los Angeles Galaxy and Austin FC, are back in action this weekend. Pec's team will play on Sunday against Charlotte FC while Austin FC plays St. Louis City SC on Saturday.