In just four years, The rivalry between LAFC and the LA Galaxy has grown into one of the best rivalries in MLS.
Since LAFC entered the league in 2018, they and the Galaxy have given its respective fanbases and MLS fans plenty to talk about regarding their matches. Whether it’s great games filled with comebacks, or star players showing out, there has never been a lack of drama anytime LAFC and the Galaxy get together, and on Saturday, both teams will once again look to provide more excitement at each other’s expense when they meet in front of a national audience at Dignity Health Sports Park.
The Galaxy won last year’s version of El Trafico. The Galaxy started off by winning the first match at home 2-1 back on May 8, then played to draws in the last two matches, a 3-3 result at Banc of California Stadium back on August 28 and a 1-1 draw at DHSP. In fact, since the rivalry began, the Galaxy set the tone, amassing a record of five wins, three losses and five draws. The rivalry has even carried over into the playoffs, as the two teams met in the Western Conference Semifinals at Banc of California Stadium back on October 24, 2019, and it was LAFC that emerged the winner, as they held off the Galaxy 5-3 for then its first ever win against the Galaxy.
Saturday’s first match of the El Trafico will be the first time that Mexican stars Carlos Vela of LAFC and the Galaxy’s Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez face off against each other. Both players have played against the opposing side in the rivalry, but Saturday’s match will be the first time that both players will be on the same pitch. Vela has been a thorn on the side of the LA Galaxy since he came to LAFC in 2018, as he has scored 10 goals against the Galaxy.
