Here we go again. It’s rivalry time for LAFC as the black & gold prepare to face off against cross-town rivals, LA Galaxy. This time, it will be the latter making the trip up the freeway to BMO Stadium as the two teams get ready to write another chapter in one of MLS’ fiercest matchups. The two sides couldn’t be on the more opposite ends of the spectrum coming into this one. LAFC riding some new form as they continue their second-half of the season climb up the standings, while the Galaxy sit in dead last of the Western Conference, though this time around, they do have more than the zero wins they had when these two first met.
Matchday: #LAFCvLAG
⏰ 7:30 PM PT
🏟️ @BMOStadium
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🎧 @ESPNLosAngeles pic.twitter.com/4cPlkQKTFb— LAFC (@LAFC) July 19, 2025
Let’s start with the visitors and still, defending champions of the MLS, LA Galaxy. If last season was one to remember for the MLS originals, this season has been one to forget, or relish for the LAFC crowd. Here we are more than halfway through the season and they have just three wins, with two of those coming in their last five matches. They have found a bit of form as of late, with just two losses in those last five. They did lose their last outing in a 2-1 result at home against Austin FC, but in fairness to them a lot of that was down to them preparing for tonight. Now we will see just how good their recent run of form is as we all know Vanney would love nothing more than to come into BMO and quiet what is assuredly going to be a very raucous crowd. They also come into tonight holding the slight advantage over LAF having won 10 of their 25 previous meetings, with a draw in six of them, and come in looking to make it three-straight matches against the black & gold without a loss after their most recent draw in Carson.
LAFC come into tonight riding some really good form of their own. After returning from a disappointing showing at Club World Cup, the team has taken those lessons learned and put them forward in MLS action. Once hovering between above and below the playoff line, now LAFC come into tonight sitting in fourth-place in the Western Conference with a three-match winning streak, all of which have been shutouts. They do, however, also come into this one severely short-handed in defense. They are still likely to miss Maxime Chanot and as we know, Aaron Long will be out for the remainder of the season. That said, we all saw how they overcame this at the midweek against top side, Minnesota United. The heavy lifting will be on the shoulders of Denis Bouanga who loves the bright lights and big stage. He also loves a good penalty so don’t be surprised to see him testing the waters early and seeing if he can get a Galaxy defender to make a crucial mistake in the box. After some rest in Minnesota, we will almost definitely be seeing more of young Nathan Ordaz who has had a breakout season this year, and what could be more breakout than really making your mark in MLS’ biggest rivalry.
Two teams that know each other like they know the city they reside in. The other interesting layer to this match, comes off-pitch. LA Galaxy have been conspicuously quiet about all that has gone on in the city they claim to represent as of late. Not taking a stand against the recent immigrant raids, and deportations, which has not gone unnoticed by their fans and supporters groups. LAFC meanwhile, may not be an MLS original, but they have been very vocal about the issues surrounding Los Angeles and have, at several points in time, made it clear they stand with the community, the people who reside here, and immigrants as a whole. There have been whispers of protest from the Galaxy supporter side, which wouldn’t surprise anyone given they wouldn’t likely be shut down and shut up inside BMO. Just something to keep an eye on in terms of atmosphere because typically, the visitors can get just as loud as the home side when these two meet.
How To Watch
Throw the records, previous history, and current form out of the window tonight! We all know when it comes to this rivalry the only expected, is the unexpected. Kickoff is set for primetime, 7:30pm PT from BMO Stadium in the heart of Los Angeles, California. The match will be broadcast live and can be seen on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Those looking to listen on radio can find the match on 710AM ESPN, with Spanish broadcasting on 980AM LA Mera Mera.
How are we feeling going into the big rivalry match? Leave a comment below!