El Tráfico Top 5 Goals
El Tráfico comes to Orlando tonight as LAFC matchup against the LA Galaxy in one of the most anticipated games from the group stage of the MLS Is Back Tournament. This rivalry, although only 2 years old, has brought the fireworks each time and in this article we’ll name the top 5 goals of one MLS’ marquee rivalries.
5. Diego Rossi – 2019 MLS Cup Semi-Finals
The playoff matchup that everyone wanted during the 2019 MLS Playoffs, the #1 seeded LAFC faced off against the #5 seed LA Galaxy on October 24, 2019. The semifinal matchup turned out to be Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s last game with the Galaxy and what a send off it was. The game was a heavyweight slugfest from the start and the best goal of the night belonged to LAFC’s Diego Rossi.
In the 66th minute, Carlos Vela controlled the ball near the half circle on top of the box, slipped but he quickly regained his composure. Vela’s slip caused an Galaxy defender to lose his mark and open up a lane for Rossi to break away and beat the Galaxy keeper with a powerful left shot. The Uruguayan’s goal would change the momentum of the playoff game and send Zlatan back to Europe.
4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Matchday 21 – 2019 MLS Season
A common theme of this list will be Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The self declared “God of Los Angeles” became a fixture in the LAFC-Galaxy derbies by scoring incredibile goals such as the one above.
Early in the first half after already being down 1, the Swedish international received a volleyed ball around the right corner of the box, controlled it with his chest and beat two incoming LAFC defenders. Zlatan then let the ball fly towards the LAFC net with a thunderous right footed strike.
The goal was a summary of everything Zlatan brings to the table as striker. Precision, finesse and unparalleled striking power. Ultimately, Ibrahimovic’s wonder goal helped the Galaxy walk away with the win and bragging rights.
3. Carlos Vela – Matchday 3 – 2018 MLS Season
Carlos Vela’s arrival to LAFC was a historic day for the MLS. The Mexican international with a blessed left foot decided at 28 years old to end his European career and arrive in California to join a newly formed club. Expectations were sky high for the Chivas academy product and in his first real test on a national stage Carlos Vela did not disappoint.
The first ever meeting between the Angelino teams was a historic day for soccer in Los Angeles and MLS. The LA Galaxy were the premier team in the league but were now challenged in their own backyard by a fresh, upstart newcomer in LAFC. Vela took matters into his own hands scoring two goals in the first half.
The first goal came at 4th minute of the game after an LAFC interception near the Galaxy’s box. Vela asked for the ball at his feet and once he received it, he cut inside and placed a looping curved ball towards the upper left corner of the Galaxy goal. This marked the beginning of an incredible first half by LAFC, but that feeling changed soon after.
Enter Zlatan.
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Matchday 3 – 2018 MLS Season
With the crowd chanting “We want Zlatan!” in the second half of the first ever El Tráfico and the Galaxy charging for a comeback Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his MLS debut 3 days after arriving in Los Angeles.
It took the former Manchester United striker minutes to make his mark by scoring one of the best goals ever in MLS history. Zlatan received a bouncing ball 38 yards away from the LAFC net and with keeper Tyler Miller way out of position, Ibrahimovic fired a half-volley that went over the hands of Miller and into the back of the net. An outstanding goal that leveled the score for the Galaxy with minutes left in the game.
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2) – Matchday 3 – 2018 MLS Season
This is the moment that El Tráfico turned from a burgeoning city rivalry to full blown must watch television. LAFC had hammered the Galaxy with 3 goals in the first half and things looked bleak for the original LA team. The Galaxy clawed back into the game and with Zlatan’s volley things were tied up at 3 a piece.
During the dying minutes of matchup, with LAFC on the ropes, Ashley Cole sprinted down the left sideline and crossed the ball into the box. Zlatan pounced on the opportunity and headed in another goal and give the LA Galaxy the comeback win of a lifetime.
Surely this rivalry will provide more goals in the years to come but thanks to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Carlos Vela, fans and players will now have an expectation of what playing in El Tráfico should be.
