LAFC & LA Galaxy draw in a thriller at Banc of California Stadium for 5th edition of #ElTrafico

The hype was certainly real leading up to the regular seasons final matchup between LAFC and the LA Galaxy. With both sides trading jabs, ranging from the players, with Zlatan and Vela’s back and forth as to who is the better player, to both front offices social media teams subtly taunting each other, and of course, to the fan bases continually making this rivalry grow more and more, this next edition of the Battle of LA was sure to be one for the books.

Of their previous four matchups, LAFC has not been able to win a single one, making this game all that much more important. While LAFC is certainly in winning form this season, with LA Galaxy for their part are consistently inconsistent, the game wasn’t as clear on paper as most would think. Derby’s are simply played different. And today’s game was no exception.

Barely two minutes into the game, the Lion, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, showed up to score the first goal of the first half. A simple attack, with a key pass from new signee Christian Pavon, allowed Zlatan to get a powerful shot off past the LAFC goalies right side and into the net.

The goal was enough to add fuel to the game and the stadium with its LAFC fans did not back down. They continued making more noise, despite being down in the score. On the field, LAFC also did not back down and just ten minutes later, at the 12th minute mark, they would score the equalizer off a Latif Blessing header. Fortunately for the Black and Gold, the Ghanaian midfielder found himself at the right place at the right time. It was game on.

The joy for LAFC wouldn’t last however. Just a minute later, Zlatan would find himself being brought down in the area in what seemed like a clear foul. The referee however didn’t believe so. But Zlatan would show that he didn’t need the penalty to score, because just a minute after that, a beautiful pass from Favio Alvarez would set Zlatan up in front of the goalie, whom he would easily swerve around for the 2-1 score.

The Galaxy weren’t done just yet though. Enter Christian Pavon. Already having an assist in the game, it would be his turn to score just a mere minute later. Another great Favio Alvarez pass would set up Pavon to make the individual effort and slide the ball past the goalies right side for the 3-1.

The game would continue with a healthy pace the rest of the way, with the home team dominating in possession. LAFC came close to scoring in the 37th when Diomande missed a wide open goal off a pass from Carlos Vela. But the home team would have their revenge, when at the 45th minute of play, Latif Blessing once more found himself with a lucky rebound inside the area, allowing him to score his second of the night just before the half. The score was now 2-3 in Galaxy’s favor.

The second half started off as intense as the first. LAFC was desperate for the equalizer right off the gate. Seven minutes in, at the 52nd minute of play, the captain and former Mexico star, Carlos Vela, would step in to score the equalizer in what’s become now one of his signature plays. A run down the right and a shot off his left was all he needed to score his 27th MLS goal.

With the momentum clearly on their side now, LAFC continued the onslaught. They came close to a fourth when Diomande once again missed a wide open goal. Unfortunately for LAFC, captain Carlos Vela would be substituted out at the 60th minute, presumably due to injury and amid anger and disbelief from the Mexican striker. His spot would be taken by new signee, Uruguayan Brian Rodriguez.

The rest of the game would play out intensly, with LAFC dominating near unanimously. However, it wasn’t enough to get LAFC that much hoped for victory in this newly minted rivalry. The final score would be 3-3, with both teams leaving with a point a piece. For the LA Galaxy, they will now head north to visit Seattle in another key western conference matchup. LAFC for their end will stay put and host Minnesota United on September 1st.

LAFC has yet to see victory against LA Galaxy, having now drawn three times and lost twice. One thing is for sure though, El Trafico is definitely here to stay.