The 2019 “El Trafico” Game Preview

The first “El Trafico” game of the 2019 MLS season is only hours away. A city rivalry that is only one year old and has already delivered all soccer fans some games to remember.

The first “El Trafico” game, gave a fantastic start to this derby. Carlos Vela and LAFC jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first 60 minutes and seemed that they were on their way to winning the first-ever “El Trafico.”

After the 60th minute LA Galaxy’s newest signing, Zlatan Ibrahimovic entered the game and changed the entire course of the game in the last 30 minutes. The Galaxy mounted a comeback and was able to beat LAFC 4-3 to take the first edition of “El Trafico.”

The ensuing two “El Trafico” games of the 2018 season resulted in draws. The second game was another that Bob Bradley’s team let a lead slip away in the second half.

This year Bob Bradley and LAFC hope to continue the excellent play that has brought them to the top of the league standings. They have a fantastic goal differential of 36 goals in 20 games played thus far.

When asked how he is preparing his team to stay away from the outside noise of the upcoming LA derby, Bob responded with the following:

LA Galaxy comes into this game currently as the third-place team in the Western Conference and having come off a horrible 3-1 loss in their most recent ‘California Clasico’ at home versus the Earthquake. Not a result they would want heading into the game against LAFC, but Jonathan dos Santos knows that Derbys are different. When asked how big is this rivalry was he responded by saying: “This rivalry is very important. We saw the three games last season were extremely close and exciting, but we know anything can change this year.”

An exciting LA Derby awaits this year, as Vela and LAFC try to get their first-ever win against their crosstown rivals. But Zlatan and company wish to continue their undefeated streak and possibly steal another three points from the league leaders.

The first “El Trafico” game of the season is today, at the Dignity Health Sports Park at 7 pm (pst).