LAFC still searching for their first win versus Los Angeles Galaxy
From the first match in March of 2018 when Zatlan came off the Galaxy bench to lead to a dramatic comeback victory, to the tie in the last match at the Banc, where LAFC came back from a 3-1 deficit and tied the game 3-3. “EL Trafico” has not disappointed at all.
Galaxy has dominated LAFC, and the Black and Gold simply do not have the formula to refrain Zatlan from scoring. Yes, LAFC has Vela and they have a well balanced attack, but this next match on Thursday October 25th, 2019 at Banc of California Stadium is looking to be an epic battle.
Kick off is set for 7:30 pm, but this game is a different circumstance for both teams. Galaxy are looking to advance in the MLS 2019 playoffs and add a six Championship trophy to its cabinet and LAFC is not only looking to defeat Galaxy for the first time in its young history, but LAFC is looking to add its first ever playoff win as last season they had an abrupt exit from the playoffs.
LAFC just completed an epic 2019 regular season. Setting records for most point in a season with 72, best goal differential at +48 and they earned the 2019 Supporters Shield.
Carlos Vela ended the season with 34 goals and 10 assists. All these records for LAFC, however they still ack one feat they need to accomplish; LAFC has not been able to defeated Galaxy in its previous five matches. In the first 2019 match Galaxy defeated LAFC, 3-2, at StubHub Center on July 19. In the second game the teams tied, 3-3, in Exposition Park on August 25.
Los Angeles Galaxy is undefeated against their LA rivals, holding a 3-0-2 advantage in the series. As Zaltlan has dominated LAFC is every way. Vela is not far behind as he attempts to put LAFC in the winner’s position, but he has yet to accomplish that.
These two teams are loaded with talent. Galaxy has players such as Jonathan Dos Santos, Joe Corona, Efraín Álavarez, Uriel Antuna aside from Zatlan.
LAFC also has a loaded roster that includes, Latif Blessing, Brian Rodriguez, Diego Rossi, Walker Zimmerman, Tyler Miller and Carlos Vela to name a few high-quality players. In the midst of this, these are the players to keep an eye for this game.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic versus LAFC defender Eddie Segura. It’s unclear whether Walker Zimmerman will be available, but even if he is, Segura will have a big part to play in trying to contain Ibrahimovic, who has feasted on LAFC over the past two seasons.
Galaxy are dealing with some injury concerns as well, with Joe Corona having missed the win against Minnesota United. Perry Kitchen stepped into the vacancy in midfield and turned in a strong outing and could be called on once again on Thursday.
LAFC last beat Colorado 3-0 on October 6th. They enjoyed a much-needed first round bye as it helped some players nursing injuries get back to one-hundred percent.
Canadian midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye is dealing with the hamstring injury he suffered while on international duty, while Zimmerman remains a question mark after the concussion, he suffered in LAFC’s regular season finale against Colorado.
LAFC striker Adama Diomande is back and available after being reinstated by MLS following his stint in the league’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health (SABH) program. The return of Diomande gives Bradley option for his starting 11 or it provides some punch off the LAFC bench.
Coach of the year Bob Bradley has some depth if LAFC is completely healthy as he has 19-year-old Brian Rodriguez on his arsenal to either start or provide valuable offense off the bench. “El Trafico” is set, both teams are as healthy as they can be and the rivalry between these two teams along with the fans is set for this upcoming Thursday.
Atmosphere will be electric, fans will be full of energy and one team will see their season end and the other will advance to the Western Conference Finals.
