El Trafico 3.0: Tale of the Tape

The soccer gods smiled upon the MLS, the city of Los Angeles, and the LA Galaxy pulled off an upset win in Minnesota and set up a 2nd round match with LAFC. The El Trafico Rivalry has reinvigorated soccer in LA and the MLS. With their third and most crucial matchup of the season looming, the big question is, who will win? Let us break down the main matchups.

LAFC’s offense vs LA Galaxy’s defense:

The Galaxy defense has been the sore spot the whole season, allowing 59 goals this season, landing them as the third-worst in the season. For their part, LAFC’s attack scored a record 85 goals lead by Mextranjero Carlos Vela. Vela’s supporting cast has also been exceptional, with Diego Rossi adding 16 goals and seven assists. Guillermo Barros Schelotto has struggled to find consistency with his back four, however tactical changes he made allowed them to get past Minnesota. Historically, the Galaxy is outscoring LAFC in this rivalry.

Advantage: LAFC

LAFC’s Defense vs Zlatan

Zlatan is the top goal scorer in this young rivalry with eight goals in five matches, seeming to lift his game against their rival. LAFC’s defense allowed a league-low 37 goals allowing just 1.08 goals per game, that average shots up to three goals per game against the Galaxy, indicating that Zlatan and Co. have LAFC’s number. Zlatan accounts for 5 percent of the Galaxy’s goals this season, so stopping him will be a priority for LAFC’s defense.

Advantage: Zlatan

Bob Bradley vs El Guille

GBS has had an up and down tenure while leading the Galaxy, winning just one more game than he lost. Schelotto’s tactics have come under question throughout the season, especially with his team’s struggles to defend. Guillermo, however, is coming off back to back Argentinian First Division titles and a Copa Libertadores Final Appearance, which is no easy feat. Bob Bradley, on the other hand, is in his second season ahead of LAFC and has been part of three MLS Championship teams, two as an assistant and one as head coach, and won the Community Shield this season. His knowledge of the league and hand in building this LAFC team from the ground up to give him a leg up. Plus, Bob Bradley is coming off a historic season and a Coach of the Year award.

Advantage: LAFC

Zlatan vs Vela

One paragraph is not enough, click here for more on that comparison.

Midfield vs Midfield

The deciding factor might be how both teams control the midfield. LAFC has to assist machines Atuesta and Kaye, who tallied 19 assists between them while the Galaxy has a more defensive-minded midfield with Mextranjero Jona Dos Santos recovering possession. However, with Lletget and Mextranjero, Antuna accounted for a total of 11 assists and ten goals between them. However, Dos Santos can become a surprise attacker and seen versus Minnesota. If the Galaxy can control the midfield, they have a better chance of winning, but LAFC has proven to be deadly in quick counterstrikes.

Advantage: LAFC

On paper, the LAFC has an overwhelming advantage over the Galaxy; however, they have not been able to beat their rivals. In the new one-game playoff, the Galaxy can be very dangerous, with all the pressure being on LAFC. The way Bradley’s men handle the initial pressure will be a determining factor.

Prediction:

I believe the LAFC will finally overcome the shadow of their town rivals and move on to face Seattle in the next round. 

Final Score: 

In another exciting game LAFC win 3-2, Zlatan and Vela get a brace each.