Major League Soccer is set to reignite its Los Angeles rivalry with the "El Tráfico" matchup between the LA Galaxy and LAFC on Friday night at Dignity Health Sports Park. The game marks the league's return to the city after a break for the World Cup.
The highly anticipated match is officially sold out, with an expected attendance of 27,000 fans. Both teams are anticipated to be at full strength, as neither has players participating in the upcoming World Cup final.
Los Angeles has experienced heightened soccer enthusiasm throughout the World Cup, having hosted eight matches, including some featuring the U.S. men's national team. Galaxy coach Greg Vanney described the matchup as "a hell of a way to get started," a sentiment echoed by LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos, who stated, "If you have to choose a game to get started again, it's this game."
This "El Tráfico" contest represents the 27th meeting between the Galaxy and LAFC since LAFC's inaugural season in 2018. The Galaxy hold a slight edge in the rivalry's history with a record of 10 wins, 9 losses, and 7 draws. The teams are closely matched in the current standings, separated by four points. LAFC leads the Western Conference with a 7-5-3 record and 24 points, while the Galaxy stand at 5-5-5 with 20 points.
Galaxy player Marcos Reus emphasized the importance of the rivalry, noting the significant bragging rights at stake. "It's a lot on the table for both sides, so nobody wants to lose," Reus said. "It's time for another win to start the second [half] of the season in a good way. That's our goal."