Major League Soccer’s new primetime showcase made its Los Angeles debut as Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire transformed Dignity Health Sports Park into a destination event for fans and media alike. Designed as a weekly ritual under MLS’s “Sundays Are Made for This” campaign, the February 22 matchup between the LA Galaxy and New York City FC delivered a nationally broadcast spectacle on Apple TV, pairing high-stakes soccer with immersive fan experiences that extended beyond the pitch.
Photo by Tommie Battle / NYCFC
Photo courtesy of MLS
The match opened at a blistering pace when João Klauss struck in the opening two minutes, stunning the home crowd and setting the tone for a physical, high-pressure contest. Momentum shifted late when LA Galaxy defender Carlos Garcés received a red card in the 64th minute, forcing the Galaxy to close the match short-handed. New York found its equalizer just two minutes later as Nicolas Fernández converted from the penalty spot in the 66th minute. Despite late pushes and a charged stadium atmosphere, the match concluded in a 1–1 draw, a gritty result that underscored the intensity of the season opener.
It was an amazing 75 degree day at Dignity Health Sports Park Sunday, drawing supporters in with photo opportunities, merchandise giveaways, and a curated interactive set that mirrored a stylish soccer watch party. Headlining the weekends’ activations was Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Sydney Leroux, who participated in media interviews and captured original content onsite. Leroux’s presence energized fans and reinforced MLS’s commitment to growing the game’s visibility across both men’s and women’s soccer communities. Her appearance bridged sport and storytelling, extending the reach of Sunday Night Soccer beyond the stadium through digital and broadcast channels.
Photo courtesy of MLS
Photo courtesy of MLS
With a dramatic draw on the field and fan-friendly activations outside the gates, Sunday Night Soccer’s Los Angeles launch delivered on its promise: transforming Sunday evening into a communal soccer experience and setting the tone for a season built around connection, spectacle, and the global reach of the beautiful game.
Photo by Tommie Battle / NYCFC