Is it even surprising anymore? By now, we all have to know that if there is a chance LAFC and LA Galaxy play one another, it will happen. It will be no different in this year’s iteration of the U.S. Open Cup. For the second year in a row, these two clubs match up in the competition, with the Galaxy knocking out the eventual MLS Cup winners last year 3-1.
The next chapter. ✊
We’re facing @LAGalaxy in the @opencup Round of 16.
📆 Match date, time, and ticketing info to come. pic.twitter.com/fplyA3o0kD
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 11, 2023
The match will be held on Tuesday, May 23 with a kickoff time set for 7:30pm PT. This will be the second time these two will meet on the pitch so far this year, with LAFC taking the last one in a 3-2 win on the road, their first-ever win against the Galaxy in their house. As for form, these two are in two vastly different realities at the moment. Galaxy are currently tied for the worst point total in the league, with a record of 1-6-3 (W-L-D). They have struggled to find consistency this season, but as we saw from the matchup earlier this year, all of that goes out the window when it’s LAFC across from them.
The black & gold are still living in dream land it seems. After securing their first MLS Cup in 2022, the team has opened up this campaign looking to repeat and then some. They have an MLS record of 5-1-3, are set to play in the CONCACAF Champions League Final, and saw their reserve/youth squad propel them to a huge win getting them into the Round of 16 to begin with. Again though, when we talk rivalry matches, especially El Trafico, you can throw all the history and form out the window because when these two meet, anything can happen. That’s what we have come to love about this rivalry.
What do you think of the Round of 16 draw? Leave a comment below!