Usually, there isn’t much to say about this matchup. We all know what it is when LAFC meet with their cross-town rivals, LA Galaxy. However this time, for what feels like the very first time since their meetings began, this match feels like it means more. For the first time both sides are playing at their peak, and for the most part both sides come into this one healthy. Throw in a 4th of July showdown under the lights of the Rose Bowl, and you have the makings of what is sure to be the most explosive chapter yet in this rivalry.
24 Hours. ⏳
🆚 @LAGalaxy
🏟️ @RoseBowlStadium
🖥️ @AppleTV with #MLSSeasonPass
🎧 @ESPNLosAngeles#LAFC | @trulyseltzer— LAFC (@LAFC) July 4, 2024
Short, but memorable history
Considering how fast they have settled into life in the MLS, mixed with how often they are talked about, you could be forgiven for thinking LAFC is an older, established club. That isn’t the case, with LAFC still a few years out from hitting the decade mark. All that is to say, its incredible how fast they’ve established themselves in MLS, as well as the city of Los Angeles. Which is why that first meeting on the road for the black & gold, was so pivotal. We all remember how that went, with LAFC jumping out to a fist half 3-0 lead, with everyone feeling like they had arrived ready to take over LA from day one. However, it was the team’s first reality shock that matches were two halves with Galaxy’s Zlatan putting on a show, topping it off with a goal that is still considered one of the best ever scored in league history.
Since then the meetings between the two sides have been nothing short of explosive. With immediate effect this became one of the biggest rivalries in MLS, and over time that sentiment has only solidified as the hatred and bitterness between the two sides grew. In years past, beating the Galaxy often felt like formality. More so, it felt like the team was beyond those matches. So far ahead of where the MLS originals were, that for them a win over LAFC felt like the world, for LAFC, their goals were much higher. After finally reaching those heights in 2022, they made it clear there was a new home for soccer in Los Angeles and it was in the heart of the city proper. However, now, after years of toiling in the mid-table. After coming close only to fizzle out, it appears as if the Galaxy have figured it out.
This, is cinema
You don’t have to like the Galaxy to appreciate what they bring to the rivalry. As with any rivalry, its always better when both teams are playing for something. Its always funny to see your enemy wallow at the bottom, struggling to function. But there is a certain feeling you get when you go up against a hated rival at their peak. Right now, the G’s are better than they’ve been, arguably since LAFC arrived back in 2018. They currently sit tied with LAFC atop the Western Conference with 40 points. They have won four of their last five matches, and despite LAFC winning their last two matchups, it was the Galaxy who came away with the 2-1 win last year on 4th of July in the Rose Bowl.
For LAFC, this is just another chance to coronate themselves as the new kings of Los Angeles. Sure, at the end of the day its all about winning championships, and if we get this exact matchup in the Western Conference Finals then that will be the truest form of Battle for LA between these two sides. For now though, this is as close as we get. The black & gold up against their rivals on July 4th. Rose Bowl Stadium the stage, both teams sitting atop the conference, with just goal differential separating the two. LAFC come into this one looking to extend their unbeaten run to a spectacular 12 in a row. Another chance to send a message not just to your rivals, but to the league. They may be the originals, but the when it comes to soccer in Los Angeles, that torch burns brightest in the heart of Los Angeles.
How To Watch
The match is set to kickoff at 7:40pm PT from Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Ca. The broadcast can be seen on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Those looking for the radio broadcast can find it on 710 ESPN LA, as well as the ESPN LA App for English and 980 AM La Mera Mera for Spanish.
Thoughts going into this match? Leave a comment below!