Major League Soccer returns to Los Angeles on Friday night with one of its premier rivalries set to add another chapter to the story.
The Galaxy are set to host crosstown rival LAFC at Dignity Health Sports Park, which will create one of the biggest logjams on the LA freeways, also known as “El Tráfico.”
The El Tráfico matchup takes place twice a year in Los Angeles.
The Galaxy and LAFC have some of the most passionate MLS fans, and Friday night’s game will be no different. The game is officially sold out, with 27,000 filling the seats at the stadium.
The Galaxy and LAFC are kicking off the second half of the MLS season, as they’ve been on hiatus due to the World Cup.
The teams are expected to be at full strength because neither squad has players in Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
Throughout the World Cup, Los Angeles has felt the electricity of soccer as the city hosted eight World Cup matches, including some involving Team USA.
Galaxy coach Greg Vanney told MLSSoccer.com, “It’s a hell of a way to get started.” LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos said, “If you have to choose a game to get started again, it’s this game.”
The Galaxy and LAFC have met 26 times since LAFC had its inaugural season in 2018. The Galaxy lead the rivalry with a 10-9-7 record.
With another matchup set to begin Friday night, it’s expected to be another close one as both teams are separated by four points in the standings. This year, LAFC is 7-5-3 in the Western Conference with 24 points, and the Galaxy are 5-5-5 with 20 points.
The Galaxy’s Marcos Reus said he enjoys this rivalry because of the bragging rights it brings to LA.
“It’s a lot on the table for both sides, so nobody wants to lose,” Reus said. “I played now two El Tráficos. It’s time for another win to start the second [half] of the season in a good way. That’s our goal.”
