The international break is over and the host Los Angeles Galaxy and Los Angeles FC are ready to renew their rivalry when they meet in the latest installment of El Trafico on Friday night at Carson, Calif.
It has been nearly eight weeks since MLS play went on hiatus as the World Cup dominated the stage. Both sides are eager for the primetime atmosphere.
“If you have to choose a game to get started again, it’s this game,” LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos told reporters. “An LAFC-LA Galaxy game is not one other game. What I was saying is that if both teams compete for first place or last place, it’s still a big game. It’s the biggest rivalry in MLS.”
Galaxy coach Greg Vanney is aware this isn’t a match where you can ease the way back into the season.
“It’s a hell of a way to get started,” Vanney said. “… I don’t know that either team will be the perfect version of themselves coming off such a long break, but it won’t change the emotion and the competitive spirit that’s going to be in this game for both the fans and the players and everybody else around it.”
LAFC (7-5-3, 24 points) are tied for fifth place in the Western Conference while the Galaxy (5-5-5, 20 points) are in ninth.
But LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris says the records can be tossed out of the equation.
“A derby is always about passion, about identity,” Lloris said. “It’s not even related to the team. It’s also related to the fans. LA is a big sports city, and obviously, it’s also about pride. I really enjoy, like all my teammates, this type of game. You represent the LAFC community and you want the best for them.”
Denis Bouanga leads LAFC with six goals while David Martinez has five.
Joao Klauss and Gabriel Pec are tied for the Galaxy lead with five goals. Marco Reus has four.
The Galaxy lead the all-time series 10-9-7. This is the first meeting this season.
Reus is looking forward to the latest battle in a series where the intensity is always high.
“It’s a lot on the table for both sides, so nobody wants to lose,” Reus said. “I played now (in) two El Traficos. It’s time for another win, to start the second (half) of the season in a good way. That’s our goal.”
–Field Level Media
