Analysis The numbers behind the result
St. Louis' clinical finishing and Galaxy's discipline cost them
The result was a fair reflection of St. Louis City's superior efficiency, as their 3-1 win came from a 2.08 xG versus Los Angeles Galaxy's 0.90. Despite Galaxy edging possession (47% to 53%), St. Louis created higher-quality chances, landing 8 shots on target from 13 total attempts compared to Galaxy's 3 on target from 10. The visitors' first-half double from Lukas MacNaughton (42') and Marcel Hartel (45+1') — both assisted — set the tone before Sam Becher's 68th-minute strike sealed it.
Galaxy's discipline unraveled their chances, with Carlos Garcés' 49th-minute red card compounding their struggles after two quick yellows. St. Louis exploited the numerical advantage, with Hartel pivotal in two goals (one scored, two assists). Galaxy's lone consolation came via T. Elgersma (86') in garbage time. The decisive stat? St. Louis' 2.08 xG from just 13 shots — a ruthless conversion rate that Galaxy's 0.90 xG couldn't match.